Snoring at Night? Guide to Sleep Apnea Symptoms & Treatment
Many people think snoring at night is just a harmless habit. But when snoring becomes loud, frequent, and followed by pauses in breathing, it may be a sign of sleep apnea. This condition affects the way you breathe while you sleep, and over time, it can affect your heart, brain, mood, and overall health.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where your breathing stops repeatedly while you sleep. These pauses may last for a few seconds or even longer. When this happens, your blood oxygen levels drop, and your body struggles to get the oxygen it needs.
Because of these repeated interruptions, you may wake up feeling tired, restless, or unable to focus during the day.
What Are the Main Types of Sleep Apnea?
There are three major types:
1. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
The most common type. It happens when the upper airway (throat muscles) collapses during sleep. People with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea often experience loud snoring, gasping, or choking during sleep.
2. Central Sleep Apnea (CSA)
This happens when the brain fails to send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. It is less common but more common in people with heart or neurological conditions.
3. Mixed or Complex Sleep Apnea
A combination of both OSA and CSA. In this type, the airway may get blocked at times, while at other times the brain does not send proper breathing signals, making it a dual-pattern condition that needs careful assessment.
What Are the Common Sleep Apnea Symptoms?
Many people do not realize they have sleep apnea until someone else notices their symptoms.
Common signs include:
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Loud snoring
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Pauses in breathing
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Gasping or choking sounds while sleeping
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Morning headaches
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Dry mouth
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Excessive daytime sleepiness
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Trouble concentrating
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Irritability or mood changes
If these symptoms sound familiar, it may be time to consult a doctor for expert advice.
How Do Doctors Test for Sleep Apnea?
If you show symptoms, the next step is a sleep test. This helps your doctor understand your breathing pattern, oxygen levels, and the number of times your sleep gets interrupted.
There are two main testing methods:
1. Polysomnography (Overnight Lab Test)
This is done in a sleep lab or hospital. It tracks:
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Breathing
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Airflow
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Heart rate
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Oxygen levels
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Brain activity
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Chest movements
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Eye and leg movements
This test gives a complete picture of how your body sleeps and helps identify the exact type of sleep apnea.
2. Home Sleep Apnea Test (HSAT)
This is done at home using a small device. It monitors:
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Airflow
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Oxygen levels
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Heart rate
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Breathing effort
It is usually recommended for people with suspected obstructive sleep apnea. However, for conditions like central sleep apnea, a full lab test may be needed for accurate results.
What is the 3% Criteria for Sleep Apnea?
This is used during sleep testing. It means that if your oxygen levels drop by 3% or more during breathing pauses, it may indicate sleep apnea. This helps doctors measure how severe the condition is.
What Causes Sleep Apnea?
There is no single cause, but common risk factors include:
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Obesity or excess neck fat
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Narrow airway
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Family history
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Age (more common in adults)
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Smoking
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Alcohol consumption before bed
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Nasal blockage
However, many people with sleep apnea do not fit these factors, which is why proper sleep testing is important.
Which Organs Are Affected by Sleep Apnea?
Untreated sleep apnea can affect several organs:
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Heart: increases risk of high blood pressure, heart failure, and arrhythmias
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Brain: memory problems, low focus, mood changes
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Lungs / Respiratory system: poor oxygen supply
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Metabolic system: risk of diabetes and weight gain
This is why timely diagnosis matters.
Can Snoring or Sleep Apnea Be Permanently Fixed?
Yes, both snoring and sleep apnea can be treated or managed. The treatment plan depends on what causes the airway to narrow or breathing to pause during sleep. Mild cases often improve with simple changes, while moderate to severe cases may require medical support.
Common treatment options include:
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Lifestyle changes like weight management, exercise, and avoiding alcohol before bedtime
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Treating nasal congestion or allergies to improve airflow
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Sleeping position adjustments, especially sleeping on the side
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Oral appliances to keep the airway open
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CPAP therapy for moderate and severe sleep apnea
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Surgery, only performed in specific cases where structural issues are present
What Is CPAP and How Do You Choose the Right One?
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is the most common and effective treatment for sleep apnea. It keeps the airway open by sending steady air through a mask.
When choosing a CPAP machine, consider:
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Mask type (nasal mask, full-face mask, nasal pillows)
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Fit and comfort
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Pressure settings recommended by your sleep apnea specialist
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Humidifier option (helps prevent dryness)
A proper sleep medicine expert will help you select the right machine and settings.
What Is the 4-Hour Rule for CPAP?
Doctors often recommend using CPAP for at least 4 hours every night. This helps improve oxygen levels, sleep quality, and long-term health. More hours offer even better results.
When Should You See a Sleep Apnea Specialist?
You should see a doctor if snoring is frequent, if someone notices breathing pauses, or if you wake up tired, restless, or feel unusually sleepy during the day. These signs may suggest sleep apnea, and early evaluation can prevent long-term complications.
What Kind of Doctor Should I See for Snoring or Sleep Apnea?
A sleep specialist, pulmonologist, or ENT doctor (Ear, Nose & Throat) is usually the right expert to diagnose and guide you through proper sleep apnea testing and treatment.
Living with sleep apnea can be exhausting, but you do not have to adjust to restless nights or daytime sleepiness as “normal.” With proper diagnosis and the right treatment approach, most people experience better sleep, improved energy, and better long-term health.
If ongoing snoring or breathing trouble is affecting your sleep, consider speaking with a specialist today. You can book an appointment at AJ Hospital & Research Centre to get evaluated and receive the right guidance for better, healthier sleep.