Signs of Sleep Apnea: When to Talk to a Doctor

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Important: Sleep apnea is a serious medical condition. If you suspect you have it, see a doctor for evaluation and possible sleep study. Untreated sleep apnea raises risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Here are the most common signs and what to do.

Common signs of sleep apnea

• Loud chronic snoring, especially with gasping or choking sounds
• Partner reports breathing stops during your sleep
• Daytime sleepiness despite “full” sleep duration
• Morning headaches from poor oxygenation overnight
• Dry mouth or sore throat on waking
• Difficulty concentrating during the day
• Restless sleep, tossing, frequent awakenings
• Frequent nighttime urination (nocturia)
• Irritability or mood changes
• High blood pressure that is hard to control

Types of sleep apnea

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): Most common. Soft tissue in the throat collapses and blocks airway during sleep.

Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): Brain stops signaling breathing muscles. Less common, often linked to heart conditions.

Complex Sleep Apnea: Combination of OSA and CSA.

Risk factors

What to do

If you suspect sleep apnea, see your primary care doctor. They may refer you for a sleep study (polysomnography), either at a sleep lab or at-home with a portable device.

Treatment options

CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure): Gold standard. Machine delivers air pressure that keeps airway open.

Oral appliances: Dental device that repositions jaw forward. For mild-to-moderate cases.

Positional therapy: Sleep on your side. Anti-snore pillows help.

Weight loss: Reduces tissue mass around airway.

Surgery: Last resort for severe cases.

What does NOT treat sleep apnea

Sleep apps, supplements, or earplugs. These do not address the underlying airway issue. See a doctor.

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