6 Essential Facts You Should Know About Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is more than just a snoring problem; it is a widespread and serious disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. Common red flags include loud snoring, gasping, or choking sounds throughout the night.

The prevalence of this condition is staggering. Studies indicate that nearly 30 million adults in the U.S. currently live with obstructive sleep apnea. On a global scale, it is estimated that sleep apnea may affect almost one billion people. It is a condition that does not discriminate, affecting people from all walks of life, even Emmy-nominated actress Amy Poehler.

Whether it impacts you directly, a bed partner, or a family member, sleep apnea is likely to touch your life in some way. Here are six key facts to help you understand it better.

1. There is More Than One Type

While Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common form—caused when throat muscles relax and soft tissue collapses to block the airway—it isn't the only type. There is also Central sleep apnea, which is related to the body's breathing control system. In this version, the brain fails to send the proper signals to the muscles that control breathing, meaning your body simply stops trying to breathe for short periods.

2. It Affects Children and Infants

Sleep apnea isn't just an adult issue. Central sleep apnea can occur in infants, often stemming from developmental issues or other medical conditions. Older children are more likely to experience pediatric obstructive sleep apnea, which is frequently caused by enlarged tonsils or adenoids blocking the airway.

3. Age Increases Risk

While we haven't found a way to stop the clock on aging, we do know that getting older increases the risk of sleep apnea. For women specifically, the likelihood increases significantly after menopause. Generally, the severity of the condition progresses slowly over time. While occurrence rates seem to plateau around age 65, it is still possible to develop the disorder later in life.

4. Millions Remain Undiagnosed

Despite its prevalence, an estimated 23.5 million U.S. adults with sleep apnea remain undiagnosed. A major reason for this gap is that people fail to realize that snoring is a warning sign for sleep apnea. This is particularly true for women, as studies show women tend to underreport snoring or underestimate how loud it is. Instead, women are more likely to report symptoms such as fatigue or insomnia, which can lead to misdiagnosis.

5. It Can harm Your Overall Health

Ignoring the problem can be dangerous. When left untreated, sleep apnea can cause serious health problems. The strain it puts on your body is linked to high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, stroke, depression, and heart disease.

6. Weight and Lifestyle Matter

Excess body weight is considered the most significant risk factor for developing sleep apnea. Working toward a healthy weight can drastically improve breathing during sleep. Additionally, avoiding alcohol and smoking is recommended. For those who experience apnea primarily while lying on their backs, positional therapy that encourages side-sleeping can be an effective solution.

If you suspect you or a loved one has sleep apnea, seek help from a sleep team at an AASM-accredited sleep center near you.