Sleep apnea causes breathing to repeatedly stop and restart during sleep. In obstructive sleep apnea, the upper airway becomes narrowed or blocked. In central sleep apnea, the brain’s signals to breathe are disrupted. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) describes both types and their complications.
How can untreated sleep apnea affect health?
Interrupted breathing may disturb sleep and lower oxygen levels. Untreated sleep apnea is linked with high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke and other health problems. Associations do not mean every person will experience these outcomes, and individual risk depends on severity and other conditions.
Sleepiness can also make driving and other activities dangerous. If you feel too sleepy to drive safely, do not drive; arrange another way home and discuss your symptoms with a clinician.
It is not possible to predict an individual’s risk of dying during sleep from symptoms alone. Avoid relying on unsupported numerical estimates or assuming that a person who snores necessarily has sleep apnea.
Symptoms to discuss with a clinician
- Loud or frequent snoring, gasping, choking or witnessed breathing pauses during sleep.
- Excessive daytime sleepiness, poor concentration or waking unrefreshed.
- Morning headaches or dry mouth.
Symptoms vary, and not everyone snores. Children may show different signs, including behavioral or attention difficulties. Review NHLBI’s symptom guide for more detail.
If someone is unresponsive or not breathing normally, call emergency services immediately and follow the dispatcher’s instructions. New severe chest pain, severe shortness of breath or stroke symptoms also require emergency care.
How is sleep apnea diagnosed?
A clinician reviews symptoms, medical history and risk factors and may recommend a sleep study. Depending on the situation, testing may be performed at home or in a sleep laboratory. Home testing is not appropriate for everyone; the clinician selects the test and interprets it. See NHLBI’s diagnosis guidance.
Treatment and next steps
For obstructive sleep apnea, positive airway pressure (PAP), including CPAP, is a common treatment. Other options for selected patients include a custom oral appliance, positional treatment, weight management when appropriate, or surgery. Treatment depends on the diagnosis and individual circumstances. Central sleep apnea requires assessment of its cause and may need a different approach.
If your PAP mask leaks, feels uncomfortable or you still feel sleepy, contact your sleep-care team rather than stopping or changing settings on your own. Read more about obstructive sleep apnea treatment and the NHLBI treatment overview.
Frequently asked questions
Does snoring mean I have sleep apnea?
Not necessarily. Snoring is common, but snoring with gasping, pauses or daytime sleepiness is worth discussing with a clinician.
Can a pillow cure sleep apnea?
No. A pillow may support a comfortable position or make a mask easier to use, but it does not replace diagnosis or prescribed treatment.
Can sleep apnea be treated?
Yes. Several treatments are available, and the right choice depends on the type of apnea and the person’s needs.