Sleep apnea is one of the most common — and most commonly undiagnosed — sleep disorders in the world. It affects an estimated 30 million Americans, yet roughly 80% of cases remain undetected.
At its core, sleep apnea is a condition where your breathing repeatedly stops and starts while you sleep. These pauses, called apneas, can last from a few seconds to over a minute and may occur dozens or even hundreds of times per night.
Types of Sleep Apnea
There are three main types:
**Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)** is the most common form, accounting for about 84% of cases. It occurs when the muscles in the back of your throat relax too much during sleep, causing the airway to narrow or close.
**Central Sleep Apnea** is less common and occurs when your brain doesn’t send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing.
**Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome** is a combination of both obstructive and central sleep apnea.
Common Symptoms
Loud, chronic snoringGasping or choking during sleepExcessive daytime sleepinessMorning headachesDifficulty concentratingIrritability and mood changesWaking up with a dry mouth or sore throat
Why It Matters
Untreated sleep apnea is linked to serious health conditions including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and depression. It also increases your risk of accidents due to daytime drowsiness.
The good news? Sleep apnea is highly treatable once diagnosed. Modern at-home sleep tests make diagnosis easier and more accessible than ever.