Sleep Apnea

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. The most common type is Obstructive Sleep Apnea, which occurs when the muscles in the throat relax and block the airway. This leads to disrupted sleep and reduced oxygen levels throughout the night.

What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea symptoms can develop gradually and are often first noticed by a partner or family member. Many patients are unaware that their breathing is being interrupted during sleep.

Common signs include loud, persistent snoring, pauses in breathing, and gasping or choking at night. During the day, patients often experience fatigue, morning headaches, and difficulty concentrating despite getting what seems like a full night of sleep.

What causes sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea occurs when the airway becomes partially or completely blocked during sleep due to a combination of physical and functional factors. This can include excess tissue in the throat, relaxation of airway muscles, nasal obstruction, and structural differences in the airway. Being overweight can also increase risk. In Newport News and Hampton Roads, VA, allergies and chronic nasal congestion are additional contributing factors that can make symptoms worse.

How is sleep apnea different from snoring?

Snoring is caused by vibration of tissues due to partial airflow blockage, while sleep apnea involves repeated pauses in breathing. Although not everyone who snores has sleep apnea, loud and persistent snoring can be an important warning sign that should not be ignored.

Why is sleep apnea a concern?

Sleep apnea does more than disrupt your sleep. It can have long-term effects on your overall health. When breathing repeatedly stops during the night, oxygen levels drop and the body is placed under stress. Over time, this can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. It can also contribute to excessive daytime fatigue, which affects safety, focus, and quality of life.

How is sleep apnea diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves a sleep study, which monitors your breathing, oxygen levels, and sleep patterns.

This may be done:

• At home (home sleep test)
• In a sleep lab

Your provider will recommend the most appropriate option based on your symptoms.

What are the treatment options for sleep apnea?

Treatment is highly individualized and depends on the severity of the condition and underlying causes.

Many patients benefit from CPAP therapy, which uses gentle air pressure to keep the airway open during sleep. Others may be candidates for oral appliances that reposition the jaw to improve airflow. In some cases, addressing nasal obstruction through medications or procedures, can significantly improve breathing and overall treatment success.

Lifestyle changes, such as weight management and sleep positioning, may also play an important role. For certain patients, surgical options may be considered.

Can nasal issues contribute to sleep apnea?

Yes. Nasal obstruction can make it harder to breathe during sleep and may worsen sleep apnea symptoms. Improving nasal airflow—through medications or procedures—can enhance overall treatment effectiveness and comfort.

Is sleep apnea common in Newport News and Hampton Roads, VA?

Yes. Local factors that contribute include:

• Allergies and nasal congestion
• Humidity-related airway inflammation
• Lifestyle and health factors

These can increase the risk of airway obstruction during sleep.

When should I see an ENT specialist for sleep apnea?

You should consider evaluation if:

• You snore loudly and regularly
• You feel tired during the day despite a full night’s sleep
• Someone notices pauses in your breathing at night
• You wake up gasping or choking
• You have difficulty tolerating CPAP

Can sleep apnea affect daily life?

Yes, and often more than patients realize.

Ongoing sleep disruption can lead to chronic fatigue, reduced concentration, mood changes, and decreased productivity. Many patients also notice an impact on relationships due to snoring and restless sleep. With proper treatment, these symptoms often improve significantly.

Is there a cure for sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea can often be effectively managed and, in some cases, significantly improved depending on the underlying cause. With the right treatment plan, many patients experience better sleep, improved energy, and long-term health benefits.

Ready to Sleep Better?

If you’re experiencing snoring, fatigue, or interrupted sleep, it’s important to get evaluated.

Schedule an evaluation today with Dr. Timothy Queen and his expert team to determine if sleep apnea may be affecting your health and create a personalized treatment plan.

References

• Mayo Clinic. Sleep Apnea: Symptoms & Causes
• National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). Sleep Apnea
• American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM). Sleep Apnea Overview
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Sleep Disorders