TLS Health Tidbits: When Snoring May Signal Sleep Apnea

The NIH says a sleep study can diagnose sleep apnea, and treatment options are available.

Sleep apnea is a common disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, part of the NIH. The condition can prevent the body from getting enough oxygen.

Signs to watch for

During sleep, the NHLBI says warning signs include breathing that pauses and resumes, frequent loud snoring and gasping for air. Many people are unaware of these symptoms until someone else points them out. Other possible signs are daytime sleepiness, fatigue, dry mouth, headaches, insomnia and waking up often to urinate at night.

The NHLBI advises anyone told they snore or gasp while sleeping, or anyone who has excessive daytime sleepiness, to speak with a healthcare provider.

Two types

The most common form, obstructive sleep apnea, occurs when the upper airway is blocked repeatedly during sleep. Central sleep apnea happens when the brain fails to send the signals needed to breathe.

How it is diagnosed

A healthcare provider will ask about symptoms, risk factors and family history, and may order a sleep study to determine the type of sleep apnea and how severe it is.

Treatment

According to the NHLBI, treatment may include healthy lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol and caffeine, quitting smoking and, for some people, sleeping on the side instead of the back. A CPAP machine, which uses constant air pressure to keep the airway open, is the most common treatment. Oral devices and surgery are other options a provider may discuss.

If sleep apnea is left untreated, people may not get enough quality sleep, which can cause problems with concentration, decision-making and memory.