Sleep apnea is a sleep-related breathing disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops or becomes reduced during sleep. These interruptions can fragment sleep and may contribute to symptoms such as loud snoring, morning headaches, daytime sleepiness and difficulty concentrating.
The most common form is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which occurs when the upper airway becomes narrowed or blocked during sleep. Because these breathing disturbances happen while a person is asleep, they may go unnoticed for a long time.
Recognising the possible signs and understanding how sleep apnea is diagnosed and treated can help people know when it may be appropriate to discuss their symptoms with a healthcare professional.
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a disorder characterised by repeated interruptions or reductions in breathing during sleep. In obstructive sleep apnea, the muscles and tissues around the upper airway relax during sleep, which can narrow or temporarily block the airway.
When breathing is disrupted, the body can respond with brief arousals that help restore normal breathing. These arousals may be so short that the person does not remember waking up, but repeated interruptions can make sleep less continuous.
Sleep apnea is therefore more than simply snoring. Snoring can be one of its symptoms, but not everyone who snores has sleep apnea, and sleep apnea can occur without obvious snoring.
What happens during sleep apnea?
During normal sleep, breathing continues without conscious effort. With obstructive sleep apnea, the upper airway can become partially or completely obstructed.
A typical sequence is:
- the person falls asleep and the upper airway relaxes;
- airflow becomes restricted or stops;
- breathing is interrupted;
- the body responds to the disturbance, often with a brief arousal;
- breathing resumes and the cycle can happen again.
These events can occur repeatedly throughout the night. The result may be fragmented sleep rather than the continuous rest the body needs.
What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea can cause symptoms during both the night and the day. Some people notice the problem themselves, while others first hear about it from a partner or family member.
Night-time symptoms
Common signs can include:
- loud or persistent snoring;
- pauses in breathing noticed by someone else;
- waking during the night;
- restless or disrupted sleep;
- waking with a dry mouth;
- frequent trips to the bathroom during the night.
Breathing pauses are particularly worth discussing with a healthcare professional because they can be a sign of sleep apnea.
Daytime symptoms
The disruption caused by poor-quality sleep can also be felt during the day. Possible symptoms include:
- waking up feeling tired despite spending enough time in bed;
- excessive daytime sleepiness;
- morning headaches;
- difficulty concentrating;
- memory difficulties;
- irritability or changes in mood;
- reduced energy.
Daytime sleepiness can also affect attention and reaction time. If someone feels excessively sleepy, particularly while driving, they should take the situation seriously and seek appropriate medical advice.
Is sleep apnea dangerous?
Untreated sleep apnea can have consequences for health and daily functioning. Repeated breathing disturbances and sleep fragmentation have been associated with conditions including high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease, as well as impaired concentration and excessive daytime sleepiness.
The level of risk varies from person to person and depends on factors such as the type and severity of the sleep disorder and other health conditions. This is why suspected sleep apnea should be assessed rather than dismissed as ordinary tiredness or snoring.
How is sleep apnea diagnosed?
Sleep apnea cannot be confirmed from symptoms alone. A healthcare professional can assess the symptoms and determine whether a sleep study or other diagnostic assessment is appropriate.
A sleep study records information about breathing and other physiological signals during sleep. Depending on the situation, testing may take place in a specialist setting or involve equipment used at home.
The results help healthcare professionals determine whether sleep apnea is present and, if so, understand its characteristics and severity.
How is obstructive sleep apnea treated?
Treatment depends on the type and severity of sleep apnea, as well as the individual's circumstances. Several approaches may be considered by healthcare professionals.
For obstructive sleep apnea, CPAP therapy is a commonly used treatment. CPAP stands for continuous positive airway pressure. A CPAP device delivers a continuous flow of air through a mask to help keep the upper airway open during sleep.
The mask may cover the nose, sit over the nostrils, or cover both the nose and mouth, depending on the equipment prescribed and the person's needs.
For people using CPAP, consistent use during sleep is an important part of treatment. The device, mask and accessories should be used according to the treatment plan provided by the healthcare team.
Explore CPAP devices or explore CPAP masks to learn more about the equipment available for sleep apnea therapy.
Why does comfort matter during CPAP therapy?
Using a CPAP device involves wearing a mask and using equipment throughout the night, so comfort can make a practical difference to the experience of treatment.
Mask fit, sleeping position, air leaks and pressure points can all affect how comfortable the equipment feels. Accessories such as CPAP-compatible pillows may also be relevant for people who find that their sleeping position or mask makes it difficult to get comfortable.
Discover CPAP accessories for products designed to support everyday use of sleep therapy equipment.
If persistent discomfort, leaks or other problems occur with prescribed equipment, the appropriate solution should be discussed with the healthcare professional or homecare team rather than changing treatment settings independently.
Can better sleep habits help?
Good sleep habits can support healthier sleep, but they do not replace treatment for diagnosed sleep apnea.
Keeping regular sleeping and waking times, maintaining a comfortable bedroom environment and limiting factors that interfere with sleep can all contribute to better sleep routines. These measures can be useful alongside an appropriate treatment plan.
If loud snoring, breathing pauses, excessive daytime sleepiness or persistent tiredness are affecting daily life, it is worth discussing these symptoms with a healthcare professional.
Sleep apnea is treatable, and understanding the symptoms is often the first step towards finding out what is affecting your sleep.