Diagnosing and Treating Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is more than just snoring—it's a common condition that can affect your health and energy levels. The good news is that it's treatable. Let's walk through how doctors diagnose sleep apnea and the treatments that can help you sleep better and feel more refreshed during the day.
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea happens when your breathing stops and starts during sleep. These pauses can last a few seconds or longer and may occur many times a night. There are two main types:
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): This is the most common type. It occurs when the muscles in your throat relax too much, blocking your airway.
Central Sleep Apnea: This type is less common. It happens when your brain doesn't send the right signals to the muscles that control your breathing.
Both types can lead to poor sleep quality and lower oxygen levels in your blood, which can cause tiredness and health problems over time.
How is sleep apnea diagnosed?
Many people who have trouble breathing while sleeping don't even know it. You might notice some things yourself, or maybe someone else who sleeps nearby will hear or see something. Here are some common symptoms of sleep apnea to look out for:
Loud snoring
Times when you stop breathing in your sleep (someone else might notice this)
Gasping or choking sounds while you're sleeping
Waking up with a dry mouth or a sore throat
Headaches in the morning
Trouble staying asleep
Feeling super sleepy during the day
Having a hard time focusing
Changes in your mood, like feeling grumpy or down
If you think you might have sleep apnea, your doctor may recommend a sleep study. This test helps find out what happens to your body while you sleep and whether your breathing is being interrupted. There are two types of sleep studies your doctor might suggest:
In-Lab Sleep Study (Polysomnography)
This is the most detailed kind of sleep test. You’ll spend the night in a sleep center or hospital. The room is quiet and comfortable, like a hotel room. A technician will place small, sticky sensors on your head, chest, legs, and finger. These sensors are painless and help record important body functions while you sleep.
During the test, the machines measure:
Breathing Patterns: To see if you stop breathing or breathe too shallow.
Oxygen Levels: Low oxygen during sleep may signal sleep apnea.
Heart Rate: To check if your heart speeds up or slows down.
Brain Activity: This shows when you are asleep and which stage of sleep you’re in.
Eye and Leg Movements: These help spot other sleep problems like restless legs or REM sleep disorders.
The next morning, a sleep doctor reviews the results to see how often your breathing was interrupted and how it affected your body.
Home Sleep Apnea Test
For some people, testing at home is a good option. Your doctor will give you a small device with easy-to-use instructions. You’ll wear a few sensors while you sleep in your own bed.
Most home tests measure:
Breathing rate
Airflow (how well air moves through your nose and mouth)
Oxygen levels
Heart rate
While home tests are less detailed than in-lab tests, they are very helpful for spotting moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea. If the results are unclear, your doctor may still recommend a full in-lab test.
Treating Sleep Apnea
The good news is that sleep apnea can be treated—and treatment can make a big difference in how you feel every day. When you treat sleep apnea, you can sleep better, feel more alert, and lower your risk of serious health problems like heart disease or stroke.
No matter what type of treatment you use, the goal is the same: to keep your airway open while you sleep so your body gets the oxygen it needs. Most people start to feel better within just a few nights or weeks of starting treatment.
1. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)
A CPAP machine is the most common treatment for sleep apnea. It uses a mask that fits over your nose or mouth and gently blows air to keep your airway open while you sleep. It may take some time to get used to, but many people find it helps them feel more rested.
2. Oral Appliances
If a CPAP machine isn't right for you, your doctor may suggest an oral appliance. This is a custom-made mouthpiece that helps keep your airway open by moving your jaw or tongue slightly. It's often used for mild to moderate sleep apnea.
3. Lifestyle Changes
Making healthy changes can also help improve sleep apnea:
Lose Weight: Even a small amount of weight loss can improve sleep apnea.
Avoid Alcohol and Sedatives: These can relax your throat muscles and make sleep apnea worse.
Sleep on Your Side: Sleeping on your back can cause your tongue and soft tissues to block your airway.
Quit Smoking: Smoking can increase inflammation and fluid retention in your airway.
4. Surgery
In some cases, surgery may be needed to remove or shrink tissue blocking your airway or to correct structural problems in your nose or throat. Your doctor will discuss this option if other treatments haven't worked.
Living with Sleep Apnea
Managing sleep apnea is a lifelong commitment, but with the right treatment, you can lead a healthy, active life. Here are some tips:
Use Your Treatment Every Night: Consistency is key to feeling better.
Follow Up with Your Doctor: Regular check-ins help ensure your treatment is working.
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Eating well, exercising, and avoiding alcohol and tobacco can improve your symptoms.
Seek Support: Joining a support group or talking to others with sleep apnea can provide encouragement and tips.
Remember, you're not alone, and help is available. With proper treatment, you can enjoy better sleep and improved health.
Taking the First Step to Treat Your Sleep Apnea
If you suspect you have sleep apnea, don't wait to seek help. A simple conversation with your doctor can lead to a diagnosis and treatment plan that helps you sleep better and feel more energized during the day. Taking that first step can make a big difference in your quality of life.
Sources:
Mayo Clinic: Sleep apnea diagnosis and treatment
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: Sleep Apnea Treatment
American Lung Association: Treating and Managing Sleep Apnea