Medically reviewed by:
Dr. Shiyan Ooi
,
School of Medical Sciences, University of Manchester
Sleep apnea is a common yet serious sleep disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. Many individuals suffer from sleep apnea without even realizing it, often mistaking their symptoms for general fatigue or poor sleep quality. If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to severe health complications, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and impaired cognitive function. In this article, we will explore the signs of sleep apnea, its risks, and the best treatment options available.
Sleep apnea is a condition in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. The two most common types are:
One of the most noticeable signs of sleep apnea is loud, persistent snoring. While not everyone who snores has sleep apnea, frequent and disruptive snoring could indicate an underlying problem.
Individuals with sleep apnea often stop breathing for several seconds during sleep. This may be noticed by a partner or recorded using a sleep monitoring device.
People with sleep apnea frequently wake up choking or gasping for air due to blocked airways.
Due to disrupted sleep cycles, individuals with sleep apnea may feel excessively tired during the day, leading to reduced productivity and an increased risk of accidents.
Frequent morning headaches can be a sign of oxygen deprivation caused by sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea is linked to several serious health conditions, including:
Learn more about the risks associated with sleep apnea from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.
If you suspect you have sleep apnea, consult a healthcare professional who may recommend a sleep study (polysomnography) to diagnose the condition. Common treatments include:
Explore treatment options with the Sleep Foundation.
At Sleep Reset, we help you improve sleep quality without reliance on medication. Take our sleep quiz to identify the root causes of your sleep problems and receive expert guidance.
Our sleep program is designed to help individuals with sleep apnea improve their overall rest through science-backed techniques and expert coaching. We focus on lifestyle changes, sleep hygiene improvements, and stress reduction strategies.
Recognizing the signs of sleep apnea is crucial for maintaining overall health and well-being. If you suspect you may have sleep apnea, seek medical advice and explore treatment options. Taking proactive steps towards better sleep can significantly enhance your quality of life.
Dr. Shiyan Ooi
Dr. Shiyan Ooi is a medical doctor with over a decade of experience treating patients with chronic conditions. She graduated from the University of Manchester with a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBChB UK) and spent several years working at the National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom, several Singapore government hospitals, and private functional medicine hospitals. Dr. Ooi specializes in root cause analysis, addressing hormonal, gut health, and lifestyle factors to treat chronic conditions. Drawing from her own experiences, she is dedicated to empowering others to optimize their health. She loves traveling, exploring nature, and spending quality time with family and friends.