Obstructive sleep apnea can cause a wide range of symptoms, including loud snoring, waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat, morning headaches, fatigue, memory problems, mood changes and difficulty concentrating. Treatment can improve these problems. Some people are at greater risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea than others. These include being overweight, having a family history of the condition and taking medications like steroids (such as prednisone) or sedatives.

Causes

People with sleep apnea are more likely to have high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke. They’re also more prone to complications from surgery and general anesthesia. They may have irregular results from liver function tests and are more likely to develop scarring of the liver (nonalcoholic fatty liver disease).

Obstructive sleep apnea happens when muscles relax during sleep and narrow your throat. This can cause your breathing to stop for a short time, dozens of times per hour on average. You don’t usually remember these episodes, but you can experience a variety of symptoms including dry mouth, sore throat, trouble concentrating and feeling tired during the day.

Certain health problems, like obesity and enlarged tonsils, make you more likely to have obstructive sleep apnea. A family history of the condition is also common. People with nasal congestion, a chronic lung disease or endocrine disorders such as diabetes are also at increased risk. Men are more likely to have central sleep apnea than women.

Symptoms

People with obstructive sleep apnea have loud snoring and wake up often or feel tired during the day. They may have memory problems and mood changes. They have a high risk of heart disease and are more likely to develop diabetes. They are also more likely to have abnormal liver function tests and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Diagnosing obstructive sleep apnea begins with a physical exam and a family history of the condition. The doctor will ask about symptoms and look for signs of sleep apnea, such as daytime drowsiness and snoring.

Some kids with mild obstructive sleep apnea might not need treatment, but for most, a sleep study (also called a polysomnogram) is needed to confirm the diagnosis and monitor the effects of treatment. A mouthpiece or other devices can help keep the jaw and tongue forward and the airway open. Nasal sprays can also be helpful. In some cases, surgery to remove excess tissue or correct structural problems in the mouth or throat is necessary.

Diagnosis

Obstructive sleep apnea is more common in people who are overweight or have a thick neck, a large throat or tonsils, a swollen gland (lymph node) or other abnormalities of the nose and throat. Having a family history of OSA increases your risk as well. People with a history of frequent sinus infections and those who take certain medicines that affect the respiratory tract are also more likely to develop OSA.

The best way to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea and rule out other disorders is to have an overnight study in the lab, called polysomnography or a home sleep apnea test. In these tests, you are connected to devices that record your brainwaves, eye movements, muscle tone, breathing patterns and oxygen levels. Your doctor will probably also do a physical exam and ask about your symptoms, sleep habits and bedtime routines. If untreated, obstructive sleep apnea can lower your blood oxygen levels and cause heart problems including irregular heart rhythms, which may lead to a stroke or sudden cardiac death.

Treatment

Unless treated, this sleep disorder can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, work and motor vehicle accidents and other serious problems. It can also cause a loss of energy and difficulty with concentration that affects daily functioning. Several treatment options are available, including surgery and devices that help you breathe more easily while you sleep.

To diagnose obstructive sleep apnea, your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and do a physical exam. They may recommend an overnight sleep study to check your breathing.

Obstructive sleep apnea often happens when the muscles in your throat relax and narrow the airway. This can happen dozens of times per hour. It can cause a person to wake up feeling short of breath and like they’re choking. People with this condition also tend to snore. They might have a hard time staying awake during the day and may act hyperactive. They may also have trouble concentrating and have memory problems.