These breathing interruptions can disturb sleep and reduce oxygen levels. Untreated sleep apnea is associated with serious health problems, including high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke. Individual risk varies, and treatment should be chosen with your care team.
Common signs and symptoms
- Frequent loud snoring, gasping, choking or breathing pauses noticed by a bed partner.
- Daytime sleepiness, trouble concentrating or waking unrefreshed.
- Morning headaches or dry mouth.
Not everyone snores or experiences the same symptoms. Children may show different signs. See the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) symptom guide.
If someone is unresponsive or not breathing normally, call emergency services. If you are too sleepy to drive safely, arrange another way to travel and discuss the sleepiness with a clinician.
How is OSA diagnosed?
A healthcare professional reviews your symptoms, health history and risk factors. A sleep study measures breathing and other signals during sleep; depending on your circumstances, it may be done at home or in a sleep laboratory. Home testing is not appropriate for everyone. See NHLBI’s diagnosis guidance.
Treatment options
| Option | What to know |
|---|---|
| Positive airway pressure (PAP) | CPAP and other PAP devices use air pressure to help keep the airway open. Mask fit and regular use matter. |
| Oral appliance | A custom, adjustable device fitted by a qualified dentist may be appropriate for selected adults, with sleep-clinician follow-up. |
| Other approaches | Depending on the person, positional therapy, weight management, surgery or other treatments may be considered. |
Treatment depends on severity, medical history and personal preferences. See NHLBI’s treatment overview. A pillow, mattress or snoring app does not replace prescribed therapy.
Living with a diagnosis
Use your treatment as directed and attend follow-up appointments. If PAP causes mask leaks, dryness or discomfort, contact your sleep-care team; adjustments may help. Do not change pressure settings or stop treatment without discussing it with your clinician. Tell your care team if sleepiness or other symptoms persist.
Alcohol and sedating medicines can affect breathing during sleep; discuss your medicines and habits with your clinician. For more on mouthpieces, read how anti-snoring mouthpieces work.
Frequently asked questions
Does snoring always mean sleep apnea?
No. Snoring has several possible causes, but gasping, pauses or daytime sleepiness are reasons to seek evaluation.
Is CPAP the only treatment?
No. PAP is common, but other options may be appropriate depending on the diagnosis and individual needs.
Can an app diagnose OSA?
A consumer snoring recording can provide information to discuss with a clinician, but it is not a substitute for appropriate diagnostic testing.