Sleep apnea is a condition in which the upper airway repeatedly partially or completely collapses during sleep, causing breathing to stop temporarily (usually for 10 seconds or more). Each pause causes a brief brain arousal (usually not consciously remembered), and this can happen dozens to hundreds of times per night.
Main types: • Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA): The most common type; soft tissue (tongue, soft palate) collapses and blocks the airway • Central sleep apnea (CSA): The brain fails to send proper signals to the breathing muscles (less common)
Common symptoms (often noticed by a bed partner rather than the person themselves): • Loud snoring, especially with choking or gasping sounds • Breathing pauses during sleep (observed by others) • Extreme daytime sleepiness despite getting enough sleep • Morning headaches • Frequent nighttime urination (nocturnal urination is a common OSA symptom) • Difficulty concentrating, memory problems, mood changes
Risk factors: • Overweight or obesity (neck fat increases airway resistance) • Large neck circumference (>40cm in men, >35cm in women) • Male sex (2–3x higher risk than females) • Older age (risk increases with age) • Family history • Smoking and alcohol use
Why it shouldn't be ignored: Untreated OSA is strongly associated with higher rates of heart disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and depression.
When to see a doctor: If you or a household member notice any of the above symptoms, consult a doctor for a sleep evaluation. Standard diagnosis uses polysomnography (PSG) or a home sleep testing device.