Obstructive Sleep Apnea
انقطاع النفس الانسدادي أثناء النوم
A sleep disorder in which the airway repeatedly becomes blocked during sleep, causing breathing to stop and start and often loud snoring. It's strongly linked to excess weight, and is common among people considering bariatric surgery — many patients see significant improvement or resolution after substantial weight loss. Diagnosed with a sleep study and often managed with a CPAP machine.
This information is for general awareness only and does not replace professional medical advice. Consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
Quick answer
Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a sleep disorder in which the throat repeatedly narrows or closes during sleep, briefly stopping breathing many times a night. Sleep is disrupted, and oxygen levels may drop.
Typical signs are loud snoring, pauses in breathing noticed by a partner, gasping or choking at night, and excessive daytime sleepiness with morning headaches.
Diagnosis is by a sleep study. Treatment includes weight loss, changes to sleep position and alcohol use, and CPAP (a mask delivering air pressure), oral devices or surgery in selected cases. Untreated, OSA raises the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and drowsy-driving accidents.
Symptoms
Loud, habitual snoring
Pauses in breathing during sleep
Often noticed by a partner.
Gasping or choking during sleep
Excessive daytime sleepiness
Including falling asleep while driving or at work.
Morning headaches and dry mouth
Poor concentration and memory
Irritability or low mood
Waking often, including to urinate
Symptom guides
Causes and risk factors
Causes
- Relaxation of throat muscles — During sleep, the airway narrows and collapses.
- Excess weight — Fat around the neck and throat narrows the airway.
- Anatomy — A narrow airway, large tonsils, a recessed jaw, a large tongue or nasal obstruction.
- Sedatives and alcohol — Increase muscle relaxation in the throat.
Risk factors
- Overweight or obesity
- Male sex, or women after menopause
- Larger neck circumference
- Older age
- Alcohol, sedatives, and smoking
- Family history
- High blood pressure, diabetes, or nasal obstruction
How is it diagnosed?
Sleep apnoea is suspected from symptoms and confirmed with a sleep test.
Symptom questionnaire and examination
Sleepiness scales, neck size, blood pressure, and throat and nose assessment.
Home sleep apnoea test
A portable device measuring breathing and oxygen during sleep.
Overnight sleep study (polysomnography)
A more detailed test in a sleep laboratory.
Related checks
Blood pressure, blood sugar and other conditions linked to OSA.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the severity of OSA, symptoms and your health. A sleep or ENT specialist recommends the approach.
Lifestyle changes
Weight loss if overweight, avoiding alcohol and sedatives in the evening, not smoking, and sleeping on your side.
CPAP therapy
A mask delivers continuous air pressure to keep the airway open; effective when used regularly.
Mandibular advancement device
A custom oral device that holds the jaw forward, for mild to moderate OSA in selected patients.
Treating nasal obstruction
For example allergic rhinitis or a deviated septum, which can make CPAP or sleep more difficult.
Surgery
Considered for selected patients when other treatments fail or aren't tolerated.
Drowsy driving is dangerous. Ask your doctor about driving safety if you are very sleepy during the day.
When should you see a doctor?
Arrange a medical assessment if
- Loud snoring with witnessed pauses in breathing
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Morning headaches or waking unrefreshed
- High blood pressure that is hard to control
- Difficulty using CPAP or continued symptoms on treatment
Seek urgent care if
- Falling asleep while driving or in dangerous situations
- Chest pain or palpitations
- Sudden severe shortness of breath at night
- Stroke symptoms such as facial drooping, arm weakness or slurred speech
Prevention
Maintain a healthy weight
Avoid alcohol and sedatives close to bedtime
Don't smoke
Sleep on your side
Rather than on your back.
Treat nasal congestion and allergies
Frequently asked questions
What is sleep apnoea?
A condition in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep because the airway narrows or closes.
Is snoring always sleep apnoea?
No. Many people snore without apnoea. Loud snoring with pauses in breathing and daytime sleepiness suggests it.
What are the risks of untreated sleep apnoea?
Higher risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and accidents from sleepiness.
How is sleep apnoea diagnosed?
With a home sleep test or an overnight sleep study.
Can sleep apnoea be cured?
Weight loss can significantly improve or resolve it in some people; others need ongoing treatment such as CPAP.
Is CPAP the only treatment?
No. Lifestyle changes, oral devices, treating nasal problems and surgery are options depending on the person.
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Medical sources
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