About this Article

Sleep Apnea is a disorder that interrupts your breathing while you sleep. It may be caused by blockage of the airway (obstructive sleep apnea) or by the brain not controlling your breathing during sleep (central sleep apnea). This disrupts your sleep, leaves you feeling tired throughout the day and increases your risk of serious health problems.

If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to high blood pressure, stroke and heart disease. It also may cause heart arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation, which can be life-threatening.

Sleep Apnea Symptoms: What to Watch For and How to Get Treatment

A physical exam and a review of your symptoms and health history can help identify sleep apnea. Your provider may also ask you about your family history of sleep disorders, because the condition tends to run in families.

Your doctor will look for anything that could make your upper airway narrower, such as enlarged tonsils or a small jaw. He or she will also ask about your general health, lifestyle habits and any medical conditions you have. Conditions such as congestive heart failure, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and a history of chronic lung diseases may increase your risk for obstructive sleep apnea. Being middle-aged or older and being male are also risk factors.

Treatment for sleep apnea focuses on normalizing breathing during sleep and treating any underlying health problems. Common treatments include losing weight, stopping smoking and taking medication for allergies or respiratory infections. If necessary, your doctor can prescribe a breathing device to help you breathe during sleep.