Sleep Apnea: Signs, Risks, and What to Do Next

Sleep apnea is a condition in which breathing repeatedly stops or becomes very shallow during sleep. Each pause briefly disturbs sleep, often without the person ever knowing it happened. Many people with sleep apnea first hear about it from a bed partner, or simply notice that they wake up tired no matter how long they stay in bed.

The two main types

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is by far the most common type. During sleep, the muscles in the throat relax and the upper airway narrows or closes, reducing or stopping airflow. The brain senses the problem and briefly rouses the body to reopen the airway, often with a snort, gasp, or choking sound. This can happen many times an hour.

Central sleep apnea is less common. Here the airway isn't blocked. Instead, the brain doesn't send the usual signals to breathe. It is often related to other health conditions that affect how the brain controls breathing, such as heart failure or stroke, or to certain medicines.

The rest of this guide focuses mainly on obstructive sleep apnea.

Warning signs

Sleep apnea happens during sleep, so many of its signs are noticed by someone else. Common signs include:

• Loud, frequent snoring
• Pauses in breathing that a bed partner notices, often followed by a snort or gasp
• Waking up choking or gasping for air
• Daytime sleepiness or fatigue, even after what seemed like a full night in bed
• Morning headaches
• Trouble concentrating, memory problems, or irritability
• Waking often during the night, including frequent trips to the bathroom
• Unrefreshing sleep or symptoms of insomnia

Who is at higher risk?

Sleep apnea can affect anyone, including people who are slim and children. Risk is higher with:

• Excess body weight
• A larger neck size
• Middle age and older
• Male sex (risk for women rises after menopause)
• High blood pressure
• Alcohol or sedating medicines, which relax the throat muscles
• Nasal or airway differences, such as a deviated septum, nasal polyps, or large tonsils
• A family history of sleep apnea

Why it matters

Untreated sleep apnea does more than make you tired. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) links untreated sleep disorders, including sleep apnea, to higher risks of high blood pressure, heart failure, stroke, diabetes, depression, and injuries or car accidents.

How sleep apnea is diagnosed

A clinician will ask about your sleep, daytime symptoms, and health history, and will examine your nose, mouth, and throat. You may be asked to fill out a screening questionnaire. Commonly used ones include the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and STOP-Bang. These questionnaires help estimate risk, but the AASM's diagnostic guideline says they should not be used to diagnose sleep apnea on their own. A sleep test is needed.

There are two main kinds of tests:

• In-lab polysomnography (PSG). This is the standard test. You spend a night at a sleep center while sensors record brain waves, breathing, heart rate, oxygen levels, and movement.
• Home sleep apnea test (HSAT). For many adults without complicating health conditions who show signs of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea, a simpler device worn at home can be used. If a home test is negative or unclear, an in-lab study is recommended.

People with significant heart or lung disease, a history of stroke, chronic opioid use, certain neuromuscular conditions, or severe insomnia are usually tested in a lab. Our guide to getting a sleep study walks through what to expect.

Treatment options

Sleep apnea is very treatable. The right approach depends on the type and severity of your apnea, your anatomy, and your preferences.

• Positive airway pressure (PAP), such as CPAP. A small bedside machine delivers steady air pressure through a mask to keep the airway open. It is the frontline treatment for most people with OSA. Mask fit and comfort make a big difference, so tell your care team if something isn't working.
• Oral appliance therapy. A custom dental device, fitted by a dentist, moves the jaw forward during sleep. It is typically used for mild to moderate OSA or for people who can't tolerate PAP.
• Positional therapy. Helps people whose apnea happens mainly when sleeping on their back.
• Weight management. May reduce or, for some people, resolve symptoms.
• Upper airway stimulation. An implanted device that moves the tongue forward during sleep, for selected patients.
• Surgery on the nose, throat, or jaw for selected cases.
• Lifestyle steps such as avoiding alcohol near bedtime, quitting smoking, and treating nasal congestion.

What to do next

1. Note your symptoms. Write down what you and your bed partner have noticed: snoring, pauses, gasping, sleepiness, headaches.
2. Track a week of sleep. A simple sleep diary gives your clinician useful background.
3. Make an appointment. Start with your primary care clinician, who can order testing or refer you to a sleep specialist. See when to see a doctor about sleep.
4. Stay off the road when drowsy until you are evaluated and treated.

Last reviewed and updated October 17, 2026. This article is for general education and isn't a substitute for advice from your own clinician. Read our medical disclaimer and editorial standards.