Sleep apnea is a common condition in which breathing stops and restarts many times during sleep, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), part of the NIH. It can keep the body from getting enough oxygen.

Signs to watch for

While asleep, the NHLBI lists breathing that starts and stops, frequent loud snoring and gasping for air. Many people don’t know they have these until someone tells them. Other signs include daytime sleepiness and tiredness, dry mouth, headache, insomnia and waking often at night to urinate.

The NHLBI says anyone who is told they snore or gasp during sleep, or who has excessive daytime sleepiness, should talk to a healthcare provider.

Two types

Obstructive sleep apnea, the most common type, happens when the upper airway becomes blocked many times during sleep. Central sleep apnea happens when the brain does not send the signals needed to breathe.

How it is diagnosed

A provider asks about symptoms, risk factors and family history, and may arrange a sleep study to find out which type a person has and how serious it is.

Treatment

According to the NHLBI, treatment can include healthy lifestyle changes such as regular physical activity, a healthy weight, limiting alcohol and caffeine, quitting smoking and, for some people, sleeping on the side instead of the back. A CPAP machine, which keeps the airway open with constant air pressure, is the most common treatment. Oral devices and surgery are other options a provider may discuss.

Untreated sleep apnea can leave people short on quality sleep, which can lead to trouble concentrating, making decisions and remembering things.

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Source: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), National Institutes of Health (NIH). This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please speak to your doctor about your own situation.