If you snore loudly or gasp for air when you sleep, ask your doctor if you have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This common condition causes poor-quality sleep and can lead to:
- Irritability and depression
- Increased risk of high blood pressure, heart problems, and stroke
- Morning headaches
- Daytime sleepiness
Risk Factors for Sleep Apnea
You face a higher risk of sleep apnea if you are overweight or male. The risk increases as you age.
Treatment for Sleep Apnea
Your treatment for sleep apnea may start with lifestyle changes, such as sleeping on your side, avoiding alcohol, and losing weight. Your doctor may also recommend:
- A mouthpiece to keep your airways open while you sleep
- A continuous positive airway pressure device (CPAP) that gently blows air into your throat during sleep
- Surgery to widen breathing passages
Sleep Apnea Follow-Up Tests
If you’re diagnosed with sleep apnea, your doctor may order one of these studies before you start treatment:
- CPAP titration study – Fits your CPAP mask and sets the airway pressure
- Oral appliance therapy titration – Fits your mouthpiece
- Positive airway pressure (PAP) nap study – Helps you use and adjust to a CPAP device as you sleep briefly under a technician’s