Tired of feeling tired? Signs of sleep apnea & when to see a doctor

Do you wake up exhausted even after a full night’s sleep? Does your partner complain about your snoring, or have they noticed you gasping for air at night? If so, you might have sleep apnea—a common but serious sleep disorder that affects millions of Americans. 

“Sleep apnea is a treatable condition that, when left untreated, can cause fatigue, obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease and even cognitive deficits,” says Carla Keahey, ACNS-BC, FNP-BC. Carla is a Nurse Practitioner at Boulder Creek Family Medicine.

But the good news? You don’t have to suffer in silence—or in snores. If you recognize the symptoms of sleep apnea, talking to your primary care provider (PCP) is the first step toward better sleep and better health.

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea occurs when your breathing repeatedly stops and starts while you sleep. The most common type, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), happens when the muscles in your throat relax too much, causing a blockage in your airway. Another less common type, central sleep apnea, occurs when your brain doesn't send the proper signals to control breathing during sleep. Some people have complex sleep apnea syndrome, a combination of both conditions. “Many people don’t even realize they have sleep apnea, because they are asleep when it happens!” says Keahey. “Often, a bed partner or family member is the first to notice.”

Symptoms of sleep apnea

Recognizing the signs of sleep apnea is essential for early intervention. Symptoms often include:

• Loud snoring
• Pauses in breathing during sleep
• Gasping or choking while sleeping
• Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat
• Morning headaches
• Daytime sleepiness or fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating
• Mood changes, such as irritability or depression

“Daytime sleepiness is one of the most common signs of sleep apnea,” explains Keahey. “Someone with sleep apnea is more likely to fall asleep during monotonous activities like driving, watching TV or reading.”

Untreated sleep apnea can impact cognitive function, leading to memory loss, attention deficits and difficulty processing information.

If these symptoms sound familiar, it’s time to talk to your doctor.

What to discuss with your Primary Care Provider

When speaking to your doctor about potential sleep apnea, consider bringing up the following:

Your symptoms and their frequency— Your PCP will want to know how often your symptoms occur, their severity and whether they disrupt your daily life. If a partner or family member has noticed episodes of breathing pauses or gasping, this information can be helpful.

Risk factors for sleep apnea — Certain factors increase your risk of developing OSA, including:

• Obesity – Excess weight, especially around the neck, can narrow airways.
• Family history – Genetics may play a role in sleep apnea risk.
• Alcohol and sedative use – These substances relax the throat muscles, increasing the risk of airway obstruction.
• Smoking – Increases inflammation and fluid retention in the airway.
• Nasal congestion – Chronic congestion can restrict airflow through the nose.

“We do see patients with sleep apnea who aren’t overweight,” says Keahey. “A person’s airway anatomy, age and even altitude can contribute to sleep apnea risk.”

Potential testing options — If your PCP suspects sleep apnea, they may recommend a sleep study (polysomnography), which can be conducted either:

• At home – “In most cases, you can test for sleep apnea in your own bed with a minimally obtrusive home sleep study,” says Keahey. A home sleep test records breathing, oxygen levels and airflow but may not be as detailed as a test in a sleep lab.
• At a sleep lab – This is a more comprehensive option that monitors brain activity, oxygen levels, heart rate and breathing patterns.

Treatment options — Fortunately, effective treatments for sleep apnea exist. As shared in a BCH lecture featuring Drs. Thomas Minor and Angela Paddack, available treatments include:

• CPAP therapy – A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine keeps airways open during sleep.
• Oral appliances – Custom-fitted mouthpieces reposition the jaw to improve airflow.
• Positional therapy – Special devices help keep patients sleeping in positions that reduce airway obstruction.
• Oxygen therapy – For some patients, supplemental oxygen can aid breathing during sleep.
• Surgical options – The Inspire Upper Airway Stimulation implant is a minimally invasive alternative for those who cannot tolerate CPAP therapy.

For more details on these advances in treating sleep apnea, including insights from Dr. Minor and Dr. Paddack, visit the BCH blog here.

Why addressing sleep apnea is important

“When sleep apnea is treated, we see improvements in energy, focus, and even blood pressure control,” says Keahey.

Left untreated, sleep apnea reduces life expectancy and increases the risk of:

• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Type 2 diabetes
• Stroke
• Dementia

Make a change today

If you suspect you have sleep apnea, don’t wait to seek help. Speak with your primary care provider about your symptoms, potential risk factors and the best steps toward diagnosis and treatment. Managing sleep apnea can significantly improve your health and quality of life.

For those seeking expert sleep care in the Boulder area, reach out to Boulder Community Health’s Sleep Diagnostics Center, which offers fully accredited sleep studies in a comfortable, home-like setting.