Sleep is essential for good health, but for people with sleep apnea, restful sleep is often disrupted without them even knowing. Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during the night. Left untreated, it can lead to long-term health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and even stroke.
At Care Infinity, we believe early recognition and treatment of sleep apnea can significantly improve your health and quality of life. In this blog, we’ll highlight the key signs of sleep apnea you should never ignore.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea occurs when the muscles in the throat relax too much during sleep, causing a blockage of the airway. This leads to repeated breathing pauses throughout the night, sometimes lasting up to 10 seconds or more.
There are two main types:
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): The most common type, caused by a physical blockage of the airway.
Central Sleep Apnea: Less common, occurs when the brain doesn’t send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing.
Major Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
1. Loud Snoring
One of the most common and noticeable signs. While not everyone who snores has sleep apnea, loud and persistent snoring, especially when interrupted by pauses in breathing, can be a red flag.
2. Gasping or Choking During Sleep
People with sleep apnea often wake up suddenly gasping for air or choking. This is the body’s natural response to a lack of oxygen.
3. Daytime Fatigue or Sleepiness
Despite spending a full night in bed, you may feel tired or drowsy during the day. This happens because sleep apnea interrupts deep, restorative sleep cycles.
4. Morning Headaches
Frequent headaches in the morning are common due to low oxygen levels and poor sleep quality during the night.
5. Dry Mouth or Sore Throat in the Morning
Breathing through the mouth during sleep, especially due to blocked airways, can cause dryness or soreness when you wake up.
6. Difficulty Concentrating or Memory Problems
Interrupted sleep can impact your brain’s ability to focus, process information, and retain memories.
7. Mood Changes and Irritability
Sleep deprivation caused by sleep apnea can lead to mood swings, anxiety, and even depression over time.
8. High Blood Pressure
Sleep apnea often goes hand-in-hand with hypertension. The repeated drops in oxygen level increase strain on the cardiovascular system.
9. Restless Sleep or Insomnia
People with sleep apnea may toss and turn throughout the night or find it hard to stay asleep.
10. Observed Breathing Pauses
If a partner or family member notices that you stop breathing during sleep — even briefly — this is a strong indicator of sleep apnea.
Who is at Risk?
Sleep apnea can affect anyone, but some factors increase the risk:
Being overweight or obese
Age (more common after 40)
Male gender
Family history of sleep apnea
Smoking and alcohol consumption
Nasal congestion or airway abnormalities
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Sleep Apnea
Untreated sleep apnea isn’t just about poor sleep — it can lead to:
High blood pressure
Heart disease and irregular heartbeat
Stroke
Type 2 diabetes
Liver problems
Complications with medications and surgeries
Increased risk of accidents due to fatigue
Diagnosis and Treatment at Care Infinity, Patna
At Care Infinity, our ENT and sleep specialists offer:
Thorough evaluation of symptoms
Sleep studies and overnight monitoring (polysomnography)
Advanced airway assessments
Personalized treatment plans
Treatment options include:
Lifestyle changes (weight loss, quitting smoking)
CPAP therapy (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure)
Oral appliances
Surgical procedures if necessary
Conclusion
Sleep apnea is more than just loud snoring — it’s a serious condition that requires timely attention. If you or someone close to you shows any of the symptoms discussed above, don’t ignore them. Early diagnosis and treatment can protect your health and drastically improve your sleep and well-being.
Book a consultation today with the ENT specialists at Care Infinity, Patna and take the first step towards better sleep and a healthier life.