Sleep apnea: Causes, symptoms & treatment

What Is sleep apnea?

Do you wake up feeling exhausted, even after a full night’s sleep? If so, sleep apnea could be the culprit. This common yet serious condition causes repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. These pauses can happen due to a blocked airway (Obstructive Sleep Apnea - OSA) or because the brain doesn’t send proper signals to control breathing (Central Sleep Apnea - CSA). A mixed type combines both forms.

Each time breathing stops, the brain triggers a survival reflex, briefly waking you up to resume breathing. While this prevents suffocation, it also disrupts your sleep cycle, leading to poor sleep quality, excessive daytime fatigue, and increased health risks such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.

Common symptoms of sleep apnea

Sleep apnea can cause both nighttime and daytime symptoms, including:

• Loud snoring
• Breathing pauses during sleep (often noticed by a partner)
• Waking up gasping for air
• Frequent nighttime awakenings
• Morning headaches
• Daytime sleepiness and fatigue
• Mood changes, anxiety, or depression

If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to severe complications, including cognitive decline, cardiovascular issues, and increased risk of accidents due to daytime drowsiness.

Who is the most at risk for sleep apnea?

While sleep apnea can affect anyone, certain factors increase the risk:

• Obesity – Excess fat around the airway can cause blockage.
• Large tonsils or tongue – Can obstruct airflow during sleep.
• Family history – Genetics may influence airway structure.
• Age and gender – More common in men and older adults.
• Smoking and alcohol use – Can relax throat muscles, leading to airway collapse.
• Underlying health conditions – Conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes may contribute to sleep apnea.

How Is sleep apnea diagnosed?

A healthcare provider will evaluate symptoms and may recommend a sleep study to confirm the diagnosis. Sleep tests include:

• Polysomnography (PSG): Conducted in a sleep lab, this test monitors brain activity, breathing patterns, oxygen levels, and body movement.
• Home Sleep Apnea Testing (HSAT): A simplified test that measures breathing and oxygen levels at home.

Treatment options for sleep apnea

Lifestyle changes

• Maintain a healthy weight – Reducing excess weight can relieve airway obstruction.
• Sleep on your side – Sleeping on your back can worsen airway collapse.
• Avoid alcohol and sedatives – These relax throat muscles and can make apnea worse.
• Practice good sleep hygiene – Keep a consistent sleep schedule and limit screen time before bed.

Medical treatments

• CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) Machine – Delivers a steady stream of air to keep airways open.
• Oral Appliances – Custom-made devices that reposition the jaw to prevent airway collapse.
• Surgery – In severe cases, procedures may be necessary to remove excess tissue or reposition the jaw.

How CBT-I can support better sleep for sleep apnea patients

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is a research-backed method for improving sleep quality. While CBT-I does not treat sleep apnea directly, it can help manage associated sleep disturbances like insomnia.

How does CBT-I help?

• Encourages deeper, more restorative sleep – Reduces wake-ups that may worsen sleep apnea symptoms.
• Supports a consistent sleep schedule – Strengthens natural sleep patterns, making CPAP use more effective.
• Reduces stress and hyperarousal – Helps calm the mind, improving overall sleep quality.

A clinical study found that patients undergoing CBT-I experienced improved sleep efficiency, showing the potential benefits of combining sleep apnea treatment with insomnia management.

The bottom line: Managing sleep apnea for better health

Sleep apnea is a serious but manageable condition. With the right diagnosis and treatment—ranging from lifestyle changes to medical interventions—you can improve sleep quality and overall health. If you suspect sleep apnea, consult a healthcare provider about getting tested and exploring treatment options.

References

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