What is Sleep Apnea?

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Sleep apnea is a common yet often overlooked disorder that disrupts sleep and affects the body in many ways. It is a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. These pauses in breathing, called apneas, can last from a few seconds to a minute. This leads to poor sleep quality, snoring, and various health problems if left untreated.


The two most common types of sleep apnea are obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central sleep apnea (CSA). OSA is more common and happens when the muscles in your throat relax too much, blocking airflow. CSA is less common and occurs when the brain doesn’t send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. Both types can significantly impact health, but OSA is the most prevalent.


Why Sleep Apnea Happens


The most common type, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), occurs when the muscles at the back of your throat collapse during sleep. This leads to a blocked airway. You might not notice these episodes because they happen when you are asleep, but your body responds by waking you up just enough to resume breathing. This cycle can repeat dozens of times per night, disrupting your sleep without you even being aware.


Several factors increase the risk of developing sleep apnea. These include:


  • Being overweight (fat deposits around the upper airway can obstruct breathing).
  • A narrowed airway (genetics play a role here).
  • Chronic nasal congestion.
  • Smoking.
  • Alcohol consumption (especially at night, as it relaxes the throat muscles).
  • Family history.

Interestingly, while sleep apnea affects adults more frequently, children can also have it. Enlarged tonsils or adenoids are often the culprits in kids.


The Impact on Health


If untreated, sleep apnea can have serious health consequences. People with sleep apnea are more likely to suffer from heart disease, hypertension, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. This happens because the repeated interruptions in breathing cause your blood oxygen levels to drop, putting stress on your heart and blood vessels.


A 2024 study from the American Heart Association found that people with untreated sleep apnea are twice as likely to develop heart failure. A 2008 report published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine showed that sleep apnea increases the risk of heart failure by 140% and the risk of developing stroke by 60%.


In addition to physical health, sleep apnea can affect mental well-being. Poor sleep leads to issues like irritability, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and increased risk of depression. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine found that people with untreated OSA are 2.5 times more likely to be involved in a traffic accident, likely due to drowsy driving.


How Common is Sleep Apnea?


Sleep apnea is surprisingly common. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, approximately 25 million adults in the U.S. suffer from obstructive sleep apnea. Globally, the prevalence is estimated to be between 1 and 6% of adults, though many cases go undiagnosed.


Here’s a quick look at how prevalent sleep apnea is across different populations:


Region

Estimated Prevalence

United States

10-30%

Europe

9-38%

Asia

3-7%

Latin America

8-20%


Men are more likely than women to have sleep apnea, particularly middle-aged men. Studies show that up to 40% of men aged 40-70 may have some form of the disorder. After menopause, the risk in women begins to increase, almost catching up to men.


Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea


Since people with sleep apnea are asleep when the condition occurs, they may not realize it is happening. Often, it is a bed partner who notices the signs first. Common symptoms include:


  • Loud snoring.
  • Gasping for air during sleep.
  • Waking up with a dry mouth.
  • Morning headaches.
  • Difficulty staying asleep.
  • Daytime fatigue.


Snoring alone doesn’t always indicate sleep apnea. However, if it is combined with any of the above symptoms, you must talk to your doctor about it.


Diagnosing Sleep Apnea


Diagnosis usually begins with a visit to a sleep specialist. They may recommend a sleep study, where your breathing, heart rate, oxygen levels, and brain waves are monitored while you sleep. This can be done at a sleep clinic or with a home-based test. The most common measure is the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), which tracks the number of breathing interruptions per hour.


According to the American Thoracic Society, an AHI score of:


  • Less than 5 is normal.
  • 5-15 is mild sleep apnea.
  • 15-30 is moderate sleep apnea.
  • More than 30 is severe sleep apnea.


Treatment Options


The good news is that sleep apnea can be treated. The most effective treatment is Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy. A CPAP machine keeps your airway open by delivering a steady air stream through a mask while you sleep. Studies show that CPAP significantly reduces the risk of heart disease and improves sleep quality.


Other treatments include:


  • Lifestyle changes such as losing weight, avoiding alcohol before bed, and quitting smoking can help reduce sleep apnea symptoms.
  • Oral appliances (custom-fitted devices) that move the jaw forward to keep the airway open.
  • In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove tissue blocking the airway or reposition the jaw.


Research published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine showed that using a CPAP machine reduced cardiovascular risk by 30% and improved overall sleep quality in more than 80% of patients within six months of treatment.


Sleep Apnea and Sleep Quality


People with sleep apnea often feel tired during the day, no matter how long they sleep. This is because their sleep is constantly interrupted. Each time breathing stops, the body wakes up slightly to resume normal breathing, pulling someone out of the deep, restorative stages of sleep.


As a result, many people with sleep apnea spend less time in REM sleep (the deepest stage of sleep), leading to fatigue, irritability, and poor concentration. A study from the American Journal of Respiratory found that OSA can reduce total sleep time in REM in  10-36%  of individuals with Sleep Apnea.


Sleep Apnea in Children


Although it is more common in adults, children can suffer from sleep apnea too. In kids, it is often linked to enlarged tonsils or adenoids. Symptoms in children include snoring, mouth breathing, bedwetting, and daytime behavioural problems. If left untreated, it can affect their growth, development, and school performance.


Pediatric sleep apnea often requires different treatment strategies than adult cases. Removing the tonsils or adenoids is a common solution, while CPAP therapy is less frequently used.


Conclusion


Sleep apnea is a serious disorder that can have widespread effects on your health. From heart disease to poor concentration, untreated sleep apnea affects both body and mind. Fortunately, there are effective treatments available. Whether it is CPAP, lifestyle changes, or even surgery, addressing sleep apnea can greatly improve your quality of life. If you suspect you might have sleep apnea, don’t ignore the signs. Talk to a doctor and explore your treatment options. Improving your sleep could be the key to unlocking better health.

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