Home Sleep Apnea
Understanding Sleep Apnea
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a sleep-related breathing disorder that causes breathing to repeatedly stop or become reduced during sleep. Learn about common signs, risk factors, testing and treatment.
On This Page
Sleep Apnea Overview
Understanding the Condition
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea involves repeated reductions or interruptions in breathing during sleep. These breathing events can disturb normal sleep even when a person does not fully wake.
Signs and symptoms can raise concern about sleep apnea, but they do not confirm a diagnosis. Sleep testing is used to determine whether sleep apnea is present.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common form of sleep apnea. It occurs when the upper airway becomes partly or fully blocked during sleep.
Signs & Symptoms
Common Signs of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea can affect how you feel during the day as well as how you sleep at night.
Excessive Daytime Sleepiness
Poor Concentration
Impaired Memory
Morning Headaches
Depression or Irritability
Sexual Dysfunction
Snoring does not always mean sleep apnea. Symptoms vary from person to person, and symptoms alone cannot establish a diagnosis.
Who Is at Risk?
Common Risk Factors
Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing obstructive sleep apnea.
Age
Body Weight
Family History
Airway Anatomy
Alcohol Use
Smoking
Why It Matters
Sleep Apnea & Your Health
Untreated obstructive sleep apnea has been associated with a range of cardiovascular, metabolic and cognitive health concerns.
Heart Attack
Stroke
Type 2 Diabetes
Hypertension
Dementia
Sleep Testing
Sleep Apnea Testing
Sleep testing records breathing and other information during sleep. Testing may be completed at home or in a sleep laboratory depending on the circumstances.
Home Sleep Apnea Test
Portable monitoring equipment records selected breathing-related information while a person sleeps at home.
In-Lab Sleep Study
An in-lab sleep study provides more extensive monitoring while sleep is observed in a sleep laboratory.
Treatment
Sleep Apnea Treatment
Treatment depends on the results of sleep testing, the severity of sleep apnea and the recommendations of your healthcare provider. Positive airway pressure therapy is commonly used to treat obstructive sleep apnea.
CPAP & APAP Therapy
CPAP and APAP therapy deliver pressurized airflow through a mask to help keep the airway open during sleep.
BiPAP / Bilevel Therapy
Bilevel therapy provides different pressure levels during inhalation and exhalation and may be prescribed in certain situations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sleep Apnea FAQ
Quick answers to common questions about sleep apnea, testing and treatment.
Does snoring always mean sleep apnea?
No. Snoring can occur without sleep apnea, and not everyone with sleep apnea experiences the same symptoms.
Can sleep apnea be tested at home?
Home sleep apnea testing uses portable monitoring equipment to record selected breathing-related information while a person sleeps at home. Results require professional review.
Can someone have sleep apnea without being overweight?
Yes. Body weight is one risk factor, but sleep apnea can also be associated with age, family history, airway anatomy and other factors.
How is sleep apnea treated?
Positive airway pressure therapy, including CPAP, APAP and bilevel therapy when prescribed, may be used to treat obstructive sleep apnea. The appropriate treatment depends on sleep testing results and clinical recommendations.
What is CPAP therapy?
CPAP therapy delivers continuous positive airway pressure through a mask during sleep to help keep the airway open. CPAP Therapy.
Sleep Apnea Testing
Learn About Sleep Apnea Testing
Learn how home sleep apnea testing and sleep studies are used to evaluate sleep apnea.