Content provided by the Health & Wellness Team at GBS Benefits
Sleep apnea is a common but often underdiagnosed sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. The most common type, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), occurs when the airway becomes blocked, usually due to relaxed throat muscles. These pauses in breathing can happen dozens of times per night, disrupting sleep quality and oxygen levels.
Understanding the Health Risks
Sleep apnea is more than just snoring or feeling tired. Because sleep is disrupted, the body doesn’t get the restorative rest it needs to function properly. Untreated sleep apnea is associated with:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease and stroke
- Type 2 diabetes
- Daytime fatigue and decreased concentration
- Increased risk of accidents
Common Signs and Symptoms
Sleep apnea often goes unnoticed because it occurs during sleep. Many people are alerted by a partner or family member. Watch for:
- Loud, persistent snoring
- Pauses in breathing during sleep
- Gasping or choking at night
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Morning headaches
- Difficulty concentrating or irritability
Who is at Risk?
Anyone can develop sleep apnea, but risk increases with:
- Excess weight
- Age (more common in adults 40+)
- Family history
- Smoking or alcohol use
- Larger neck circumference
- Certain anatomical factors (airway structure)
How is Sleep Apnea Diagnosed?
Sleep apnea is typically diagnosed with a sleep study, which may be completed at home (home sleep apnea test) or in a sleep lab (polysomnography). These tests monitor breathing, oxygen levels, heart rate, and sleep patterns.
Treatment Options
Treatment options vary based on the severity of sleep apnea and may include:
- CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure): Uses gentle air pressure to keep the airway open during sleep and is the most common treatment.
- Oral appliances: Reposition the jaw to help improve airflow during sleep.
- Lifestyle changes: Weight management, limiting alcohol, and improving sleep habits may help reduce symptoms.
- Positional therapy or surgery: May be recommended in certain situations.
Your health care provider can recommend the most appropriate treatment based on your symptoms and sleep study results.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
If you think you might have sleep apnea, consider asking:
- Could my symptoms be related to sleep apnea?
- Do I need a sleep study? If so, what type is right for me?
- How severe is my condition, and what does that mean for my health?
- What treatment options do you recommend for me?
- If I use a CPAP machine, how do I get fitted and stay comfortable using it?
- Are there lifestyle changes that could improve my symptoms?
- How will we monitor if treatment is working?
Sleep apnea is common, treatable, and often overlooked. Addressing it can significantly improve sleep quality, energy levels, and long-term health.
