Understanding Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a common condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. It can fragment your sleep, cause loud snoring or no snoring at all, and raise health risks over time. The main types are:
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): the airway collapses or gets blocked.
- Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): the brain doesn’t send consistent signals to breathe.
- Complex Sleep Apnea: a combination of OSA and CSA.
Early diagnosis and treatment improve sleep, mood, and long-term health. If you’re tired during the day, wake with headaches, or a partner notices pauses or gasping, an evaluation with an ENT is a smart next step.
What Causes Sleep Apnea?
Most Obstructive Sleep Apnea cases stem from the airway narrowing or collapsing during sleep. This can be caused by:
- Anatomy (enlarged tonsils/adenoids, deviated septum, small jaw)
- Obesity
- Nasal congestion
- Sleeping on your back
CSA is less common and relates to how the brain controls breathing—sometimes tied to medications or other conditions. Your ENT specialist will identify which type of sleep apnea is present and the best options for your needs.
“Sleep apnea is a complex sleep disorder that can have serious implications for one’s health and well-being. At Granville Health System’s ENT practice, we frequently encounter patients with sleep apnea and emphasize the importance of seeking care. The right treatment, tailored to each patient, can make a significant difference in sleep quality and overall health,” said Dr. Richard Alexander, MD, PhD, MBA – Granville Health System.
Treatments for Sleep Apnea
There are several methods to improve sleep when living with sleep apnea:
- CPAP Therapy: One common treatment for sleep apnea is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. This involves wearing a mask that delivers a steady stream of air into the airway, helping to keep it open during sleep. While CPAP is effective for many patients, some find it uncomfortable or difficult to use consistently.
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Non-CPAP options for the right candidates include:
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Custom oral appliances (move the jaw/tongue slightly forward to open the airway).
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Positional therapy (training to avoid back-sleeping).
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Weight management, nasal treatment, allergy control (reduce airway resistance).
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Surgical options tailored to anatomy (e.g., tonsil/adenoid surgery, nasal/septal surgery, soft-tissue or skeletal procedures).
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Implantable nerve-stimulation therapy for select patients with moderate-to-severe OSA who can’t use CPAP (your specialist can discuss eligibility; no brands mentioned).
Your ENT/sleep team will match therapy to your apnea type, anatomy, and preferences.
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When to Seek Medical Attention for Sleep Apnea
If you suspect that you may be suffering from sleep apnea, it is important to seek medical attention. An ENT specialist can evaluate your symptoms, perform necessary tests, and provide guidance on the best treatment options for your needs. They can also help you understand the underlying causes of your sleep apnea and provide recommendations for lifestyle changes that can help improve your overall health and well-being. While sleep apnea can be a serious sleep disorder that may have a significant impact on a person’s health and quality of life, there are solutions.
“Properly treated sleep apnea can lead to remarkable improvements in sleep quality and overall health. Don’t hesitate to consult with an ENT specialist if you suspect you’re dealing with sleep apnea – the benefits of effective treatment can be truly life-changing,” said Dr. Richard Alexander, MD, PhD, MBA – Granville Health System.
Morning Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Common morning signs include headaches, sore or dry throat, brain fog, and feeling like you “slept but didn’t rest.” These happen because fragmented sleep and low oxygen disrupt normal sleep cycles.
FAQS About Sleep Apnea
Is Sleep Apnea Dangerous?
Yes, sleep apnea can be dangerous, especially if it’s left untreated.
Untreated sleep apnea can raise the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, accidents from daytime sleepiness, and mood/memory problems. The good news: treating it reduces these risks and often improves energy, focus, and quality of life.
How do I know if I have sleep apnea?
A sleep study confirms it. Depending on your symptoms and exam, your clinician may start with a home sleep apnea test for suspected OSA or order an in-lab overnight study if CSA is a concern.
Is Sleep Apnea Genetic?
Yes, sleep apnea can have a genetic component, especially obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). About 35 to 40 percent of OSA risk comes from inherited traits like a narrow jaw, a high palate, extra neck fat or weaker muscle control in the airway. If a close family member has OSA, your chances of developing it are higher. Central sleep apnea, however, is less likely to be inherited and is usually linked to other medical conditions or medications. Even if you have a family history of OSA, you can lower your risk by staying at a healthy weight, avoiding sedatives before bed and practicing good sleep habits.
Is Sleep Apnea a Disability?
Yes, sleep apnea can be considered a disability, but it depends on how severe it is and how much it affects your ability to work. To qualify for Social Security Disability benefits, you’ll need a confirmed diagnosis from a sleep study, medical proof that your condition has lasted or will last at least 12 months, and records showing how your symptoms limit the work you can do.
Can you have Sleep Apnea without snoring?
Yes. Not everyone with sleep apnea snores. Other red flags include: waking unrefreshed, morning headaches, dry mouth, trouble concentrating, irritability, and drifting off during the day. If these sound familiar—even without snoring—ask about a sleep apnea evaluation.
Are Sleep Apnea and Insomnia Related?
Sleep apnea and insomnia are different sleep disorders, but they can be connected. Sleep apnea causes repeated pauses in breathing that may wake you up throughout the night, leading to insomnia or trouble staying asleep. On the flip side, people with insomnia may have disrupted sleep patterns that make sleep apnea symptoms worse. Both conditions can affect sleep quality and may happen together.
About Granville Health System
For more than 100 years, Granville Health System (GHS) has been delivering quality health care and specialty services to the residents of Granville County, northern Wake County, and beyond. The GHS main campus is located at 1010 College Street, Oxford, North Carolina 27565 with its Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialty practice located at 102 Professional Park Drive, Oxford, North Carolina 27565. For more information about Granville Health System please visit GHShospital.org.
