Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a common and, too often, under-diagnosed sleep disorder. It occurs when your breathing ceases numerous times while you are asleep (that's what apnea means — the halt of breathing). In fact, it can cause you to stop breathing 30 times an hour or more.

Signs You Might Have Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea often goes undetected because its most obvious symptoms happen while you're asleep. Watch for these warning signs:

• Loud, chronic snoring — especially if your partner notices pauses in your breathing
• Waking up gasping or choking
• Excessive daytime sleepiness or fatigue, even after a full night's rest
• Morning headaches
• Difficulty concentrating or memory problems
• Irritability or mood changes
• Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking

Who Is at Risk?

While sleep apnea can affect anyone, certain factors increase your risk:

• Excess weight, particularly around the neck
• A naturally narrow airway or large tonsils
• Being male (though women are also affected, especially after menopause)
• Age — risk increases as you get older
• Family history of sleep apnea
• Use of alcohol or sedatives, which relax throat muscles

Why Diagnosis Matters

Left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to serious health complications, including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. The repeated drops in blood oxygen levels put significant strain on your cardiovascular system over time.

If you think you or a loved one may have this disorder, Capital ENT and Sinus Center's sleep experts strongly encourage you to schedule a sleep evaluation. A simple at-home sleep study can help determine whether you have sleep apnea and guide us toward the right treatment plan for you.