Sleep Apnea Signs and Causes

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that causes repeated pauses in breathing or shallow breathing during sleep. Many people do not realize it is happening. Left untreated, sleep apnea can increase your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke and other health problems. 

The three main types of sleep apnea are obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea and complex sleep apnea syndrome. While the causes differ, the symptoms often overlap. 

Learn what causes sleep apnea, the signs to watch for and whether you may be at risk. 

What is sleep apnea? 

Sleep apnea occurs when your breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. These pauses can last from a few seconds to over a minute and may happen dozens or even hundreds of times per night. 

Each time breathing stops, oxygen levels drop. Your brain briefly wakes you to restart breathing, even if you do not remember waking up. Over time, this disrupts sleep quality and strains the heart and other organs. 

Types of sleep apnea 

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) 

Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type. It happens when the muscles in the back of the throat relax too much during sleep, causing the airway to narrow or collapse. This blocks airflow, even though your body is trying to breathe. 

Central sleep apnea (CSA) 

Central sleep apnea occurs when the brain does not send the proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. Unlike OSA, there is no physical blockage of the airway. 

CSA is less common and is often linked to heart disease, stroke or certain neurologic conditions. 

Complex sleep apnea syndrome 

Also called treatment-emergent central sleep apnea, this type combines features of both obstructive and central sleep apnea. 

What are the signs and symptoms of sleep apnea? 

Sleep apnea symptoms can vary, but common signs include: 

• Loud, chronic snoring 
• Pauses in breathing during sleep, often noticed by a partner 
• Gasping or choking during sleep 
• Excessive daytime sleepiness 
• Morning headaches 
• Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat 
• Difficulty concentrating or memory problems 
• Irritability or mood changes 
• Night sweats 
• Decreased libido or sexual dysfunction 

You may not realize you stop breathing at night, but you may notice constant fatigue or trouble staying awake during the day. 

How serious is sleep apnea? 

Untreated sleep apnea can increase the risk of: 

• High blood pressure 
• Heart attack 
• Stroke 
• Irregular heart rhythms such as atrial fibrillation 
• Type 2 diabetes 
• Worsening heart failure 
• Depression and anxiety 
• Accidents caused by daytime drowsiness 

Getting diagnosed and treated can reduce these risks and improve overall health. 

What causes sleep apnea? 

The causes depend on the type of sleep apnea. 

Causes of obstructive sleep apnea 

OSA occurs when the airway becomes blocked during sleep. Contributing factors may include: 

• Relaxation of throat muscles 
• Excess tissue around the neck 
• Enlarged tonsils or adenoids 
• Structural differences in the jaw or airway 

Causes of central sleep apnea 

CSA occurs when the brain fails to send consistent breathing signals. It is often associated with: 

• Heart disease 
• Stroke 
• Brain injury 
• Certain medications, including opioids 

Am I at risk for sleep apnea? 

You may be at higher risk if you: 

• Are overweight or obese 
• Have a family history of sleep apnea 
• Are over age 40 
• Have a large neck size 
• Have large tonsils or adenoids 
• Drink alcohol or use sedatives, especially near bedtime 
• Smoke 
• Have chronic nasal congestion 
• Have medical conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, GERD, asthma or stroke 

Men and people assigned male at birth are more likely to develop sleep apnea. After menopause, the risk increases for women and people assigned female at birth. 

Children can also develop sleep apnea, often due to enlarged tonsils or adenoids. 

Who should get tested for sleep apnea? 

Talk to a health care provider if you: 

• Snore loudly and feel tired during the day 
• Have been told you stop breathing while sleeping 
• Wake up gasping for air 
• Have high blood pressure that is difficult to control 
• Have heart rhythm problems or heart disease 
• Frequently fall asleep during quiet activities 

A provider may recommend a sleep study in a sleep center or a home sleep apnea test, depending on your symptoms and health history. 

Learn more about testing and diagnosis for sleep apnea. 

Think you might have sleep apnea? 

Getting treatment can help you: 

• Sleep more soundly 
• Feel more alert during the day 
• Improve mood and focus 
• Lower your risk for serious health complications 

If you notice symptoms of sleep apnea, discuss them with your health care provider or a Banner Health specialist. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a meaningful difference in your long-term health.