Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that causes breathing to repeatedly stop and start during sleep. These pauses can happen dozens or even hundreds of times per night, reducing sleep quality and lowering oxygen levels in the body. At HelloSleep.ca, we help Canadians better understand sleep apnea so they can recognize the signs, seek diagnosis, and explore treatment options.
This guide explains the causes, symptoms, types, and treatments of sleep apnea in an easy‑to‑understand format. Sleep apnea is a manageable condition, and early treatment can improve both sleep and overall health.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep-related breathing disorder that causes repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. These interruptions can last several seconds or longer and often occur without the person realizing it. The brain briefly wakes the body to restart breathing, disrupting normal sleep cycles.
Because these awakenings happen throughout the night, many people with sleep apnea wake up feeling tired despite spending enough time in bed.
Over time, untreated sleep apnea can affect much more than your sleep quality. Repeated breathing disruptions can interfere with the body's ability to get consistent, restorative sleep and may contribute to daytime fatigue, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, irritability, and mood changes. These symptoms can make it harder to stay productive at work, enjoy daily activities, maintain relationships, and feel your best throughout the day.
Sleep apnea can also place additional strain on the body. When left untreated, it is associated with an increased risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular complications. Excessive daytime sleepiness may also increase the risk of accidents while driving or operating machinery.
The good news is that sleep apnea can often be managed with appropriate treatment. Recognizing the symptoms, obtaining a proper diagnosis, and working with a healthcare provider to find a suitable treatment can help improve sleep quality, daytime alertness, and overall well-being. Addressing sleep apnea is not just about getting a better night's rest; it's an important step toward protecting your long-term health and improving your quality of life.
What Causes Sleep Apnea?
The cause depends on the type of sleep apnea.
For many people, sleep apnea occurs when the airway becomes partially or completely blocked during sleep. This often happens when the muscles in the throat relax and narrow the airway. Other factors that may increase the risk include:
- Excess weight
- A naturally narrow airway
- Family history of sleep apnea
- Aging
- Smoking
- Alcohol use before bed
- Certain medical conditions that affect breathing or brain function
Not everyone with sleep apnea has the same risk factors, which is why proper testing is important.
Common Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Many people first learn they may have sleep apnea from a partner or family member who notices breathing pauses during sleep. Common symptoms include:
- Loud snoring
- Gasping or choking during sleep
- Pauses in breathing
- Waking with a dry mouth
- Morning headaches
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability or mood changes
- Poor-quality sleep
While snoring is common in people with sleep apnea, not everyone who snores has sleep apnea.
The Different Types of Sleep Apnea
There are three main types of sleep apnea.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
Obstructive Sleep Apnea is the most common type. It occurs when the muscles and tissues in the throat relax during sleep, narrowing or blocking the airway. Common signs include:
- Loud snoring
- Gasping during sleep
- Daytime fatigue
Most people diagnosed with sleep apnea have OSA.
Central Sleep Apnea (CSA)
Central Sleep Apnea occurs when the brain temporarily fails to send proper signals to the breathing muscles. Unlike OSA, the airway is not physically blocked. CSA is less common than OSA and is often associated with certain medical conditions or neurological factors. Compare Central and Obstructive Sleep Apnea by reading our blog Central vs Obstructive Sleep Apnea: What Are the Main Differences.
Complex Sleep Apnea
Complex Sleep Apnea, sometimes called treatment-emergent central sleep apnea, involves characteristics of both obstructive and central sleep apnea. It may occur when central apneas develop during treatment for obstructive sleep apnea.
How Is Sleep Apnea Diagnosed?
Sleep apnea is typically diagnosed through a sleep study. Depending on your symptoms and medical history, this may be conducted:
- At a sleep clinic (polysomnography)
- At home using a home sleep test kit. Learn more about Diagnosing Sleep Apnea at home here.
The results help determine whether sleep apnea is present, how severe it is, and which treatment options may be most appropriate.
Sleep Apnea Treatment Options
The right approach to managing sleep apnea varies depending on its type, severity, and the individual's needs. Depending on the diagnosis, a healthcare provider may recommend one or more of the following:
Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) Therapy: Uses pressurized air to help maintain an open airway during sleep, such as CPAP therapy.
Oral Appliances: Specially designed devices that help keep the airway open by repositioning the jaw or tongue.
Lifestyle Adjustments: Changes to sleep habits and daily routines that may help reduce symptoms.
Weight Management: Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight may improve symptoms for some people.
Positional Therapy: Encourages sleeping positions that may reduce breathing disruptions, such as using the Sleep Noodle Positional Sleep Device.
Surgical Procedures: May be considered in certain cases when other treatments are unsuitable or ineffective.
For obstructive sleep apnea, PAP therapy is a widely used treatment option. It delivers a steady flow of pressurized air through a mask to help prevent the upper airway from collapsing during sleep. A healthcare provider can help determine which treatment is most appropriate for each individual's condition.
Want to learn more about sleep apnea treatments? Read PAP, APAP and BiPAP: Examining Sleep Apnea Therapies and A Beginner's Guide to CPAP Therapy: What to Expect in Your First 30 Days.
Why Treating Sleep Apnea Matters
Untreated sleep apnea may increase the risk of several health complications over time. Potential concerns include:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Daytime fatigue
- Reduced concentration
- Increased accident risk
Seeking treatment can improve sleep quality, energy levels, and overall health.
Summary
Sleep apnea is a common but serious sleep disorder that causes repeated breathing interruptions during sleep. The most common form is Obstructive Sleep Apnea, though Central and Complex Sleep Apnea can also occur. Symptoms often include loud snoring, pauses in breathing, and daytime fatigue. With proper diagnosis and treatment, most people can successfully manage sleep apnea and enjoy better sleep, improved energy, and better overall health.
If you have been diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) or are exploring treatment options, you can find information about available treatments at HelloSleep.ca. If you have any questions or need guidance, feel free to reach out to our team anytime.
Sleep Apnea: Causes, Symptoms, Types & Treatment Overview - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common type of sleep apnea?
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is the most common type of sleep apnea.
Does everyone who snores have sleep apnea?
No. While snoring is a common symptom, not everyone who snores has sleep apnea.
Can sleep apnea go away on its own?
Sleep apnea typically requires medical evaluation and treatment. The appropriate treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity.
How is sleep apnea diagnosed?
Most cases are diagnosed through an in-lab sleep study or a home sleep test.
Is CPAP the only treatment for sleep apnea?
No. Treatment options may include CPAP therapy, oral appliances, lifestyle changes, and other therapies depending on the type of sleep apnea.
Can untreated sleep apnea affect my health?
Yes. Untreated sleep apnea has been associated with increased risks of cardiovascular and daytime functioning problems.
