What Is Sleep Apnea?

Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. While snoring is a frequent symptom, sleep apnea is much more serious and can impact your health if left untreated. People aged 40 to 75 are most at risk.

The positive news is that sleep apnea is highly treatable, and diagnosis is more straightforward than ever.

Different Types of Sleep Apnea

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

The most common form of sleep apnea, obstructive sleep apnea, occurs when the muscles in the throat relax during sleep, causing repeated airway collapse and breathing interruptions.

Central Sleep Apnea

Central sleep apnea occurs when the brain does not send consistent signals to the muscles responsible for breathing, resulting in pauses in breathing during sleep.

Mixed/Complex Sleep Apnea

Mixed sleep apnea is a combination of both obstructive and central sleep apnea and may require specialized treatment approaches.

Causes of Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea can develop due to a combination of anatomical, lifestyle, and medical factors.

Contributing factors may include:

  • Narrowed airway or enlarged tonsils
  • Excess body weight
  • Family history of sleep apnea
  • Alcohol or sedative use
  • Smoking
  • Nasal congestion or obstruction
  • Certain medical conditions, such as heart disease or stroke

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

Common symptoms of sleep apnea include:
Loud, chronic snoring
Pauses in breathing during sleep, often noticed by a partner
Waking up gasping or choking
Morning headaches
Difficulty concentrating or memory problems
Trouble concentrating or memory issues
Excessive daytime sleepiness, even after a full night in bed

Wondering whether your symptoms could point to another sleep issue?

Who Is At Risk For Sleep Apnea?

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People at higher risk for sleep apnea include those who:

  • Are overweight or obese
  • Are male or postmenopausal women
  • Have a family history of sleep apnea
  • Have high blood pressure or diabetes
  • Smoke or consume alcohol regularly

Risks of Untreated Sleep Apnea

Leaving sleep apnea untreated can result in serious health complications, including: 

  • High blood pressure 
  • Heart attack 
  • Stroke 
  • Type 2 diabetes 
  • Liver disease and metabolic syndrome

Untreated sleep apnea also contributes to daytime fatigue, poor concentration, increased accident risk, and a reduced quality of life. Chronic sleep disruption may increase the risk of mood disorders such as anxiety and depression.

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How is Sleep Apnea Screened?

Your doctor will discuss your sleep patterns, medical history, and any symptoms you’re experiencing.

Don’t have a physician? Our Resolve Sleep Health team is here to assist you.

Sleep Study and Testing Options

There are two main sleep testing methods available:

Complete a Home Sleep Apnea Test under the guidance of a Resolve Sleep Health team member, right in the comfort of your own home. This portable device monitors your breathing, oxygen levels, and sleep cycles overnight.

For a more comprehensive evaluation, your doctor may refer you for a Level 1 Sleep Test. This overnight test takes place in a specialized sleep lab or hospital. Polysomnography records brain activity, heart rate, breathing patterns, and body movements to provide a detailed evaluation.

Unsure which test is right for you?

Book a consultation with the Resolve Sleep Health team for personalized recommendations.

How Sleep Apnea is Treated

The most common and effective treatments for sleep apnea include CPAP therapy and oral appliance therapy.

CPAP Therapy

A Continuous Positive Airway Pressure device delivers a steady stream of air through a mask, keeping your airway open while you sleep. It’s considered the gold standard for moderate to severe sleep apnea. Learn more about CPAP Therapy.

Oral Appliance Therapy

A custom-fitted dental device gently repositions your jaw and tongue to maintain airflow. This is a popular alternative for those with mild to moderate sleep apnea or who find CPAP challenging. Learn more about Oral Appliance Therapy.

Lifestyle and Weight Management

Lifestyle changes such as weight management, reducing alcohol intake, quitting smoking, and improving sleep position may help reduce symptoms and support other treatment options.
Contact us today to start your journey toward restful sleep and energized mornings!

When Should You Get Tested for Sleep Apnea?

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You should consider testing for sleep apnea if you experience ongoing sleep-related symptoms that affect your health, safety, or daily functioning.

Common reasons to seek testing include:

  • Chronic snoring
  • Excessive daytime sleepiness
  • Morning headaches
  • High blood pressure or diabetes
  • Breathing pauses noticed by a partner

Schedule an appointment today to get started.

Frequently Asked Questions

The most common cause of sleep apnea is airway obstruction during sleep, which occurs when throat muscles relax and block airflow. This is known as obstructive sleep apnea and is often associated with excess weight, airway anatomy, alcohol use, and family history.

Common treatments include CPAP therapy, oral appliance therapy, and lifestyle changes such as weight management and sleep position adjustments. The most effective treatment depends on the type and severity of sleep apnea.

Common signs of sleep apnea include loud snoring, pauses in breathing during sleep, waking up gasping or choking, and excessive daytime sleepiness. Because symptoms often occur during sleep, a sleep study is required to confirm whether sleep apnea is present.

Yes, sleep apnea can significantly affect blood pressure. Repeated drops in oxygen levels during sleep activate stress responses in the body, increasing the risk of high blood pressure. Treating sleep apnea has been shown to help improve blood pressure control in many patients.

Yes, some people with mild to moderate sleep apnea may be treated without CPAP therapy. Alternatives can include oral appliance therapy, positional therapy, lifestyle changes.

Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type of sleep apnea. It occurs when the airway collapses or becomes blocked during sleep, causing repeated breathing interruptions and reduced oxygen levels throughout the night.

Sleep apnea is usually a chronic condition, but it can be effectively managed with proper treatment. In some cases, symptoms may improve with weight loss or lifestyle changes, though ongoing monitoring is often recommended to ensure long-term control.

Weight loss can significantly reduce sleep apnea severity in some individuals, particularly those with obstructive sleep apnea. However, weight loss alone does not eliminate sleep apnea for everyone, and follow-up testing is important to confirm improvement.

Home sleep tests are highly accurate for screening moderate obstructive sleep apnea in patients. They are less effective for detecting other sleep disorders, which is why some individuals may require in-lab sleep testing instead.

CPAP machines and masks are usually covered by insurance, but coverage may vary by province and provider. We encourage you to check directly with your insurance provider.

A sleep study typically takes one night to complete. Home sleep tests are done overnight in your own bed, while in-lab sleep studies involve an overnight stay at a sleep clinic or hospital for more detailed monitoring.

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