September 22, 2025 No Comments
The first two weeks set the tone. Wear your sleep apnea machine (CPAP) every time you sleep (even naps), start with short, consistent sessions, prioritise
Sleep Apnea – Causes and Risk Factors
Written by:
Table of Contents
Ed Wagner
Sleep apnea, a prevalent yet often underestimated sleep disorder, is a condition that can significantly impact an individual's overall health and well-being. As we delve into the intricate world of sleep, it becomes increasingly apparent that uninterrupted, restorative slumber is essential for optimal functioning during waking hours. However, for those grappling with sleep apnea, the tranquil journey through the night is punctuated by recurring pauses in breathing, casting a shadow over the restorative nature of sleep.
Liked this post? Share with others!
At its core, sleep apnea is characterized by a disruption in the normal breathing pattern during sleep. The most common form, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), manifests when the muscles at the back of the throat relax excessively, leading to a partial or complete blockage of the airway. This obstruction results in momentary lapses in breathing, known as apneas, that can persist for seconds to minutes. The consequences of these interruptions extend beyond the realm of the nocturnal hours, influencing the waking life of individuals with sleep apnea.
What causes snoring?
One of the hallmark signs of sleep apnea is persistent and often disruptive snoring. The forceful attempt to breathe against the blocked airway creates vibrations in the throat, producing the characteristic sound that can disturb not only the sleep of the affected individual but also that of their sleep partner. However, it’s essential to recognize that not everyone who snores has sleep apnea, and conversely, not everyone with sleep apnea snores. The disorder’s subtleties lie in the silent struggles within the body as it navigates the delicate balance between sleep and breath.
Although snoring is often brushed off as an everyday nuisance, it can be an early indicator of a deeper health issue — obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). This sleep disorder occurs when airflow is repeatedly blocked during the night, typically due to relaxed throat muscles collapsing into the airway. Not everyone who snores has OSA, but when snoring is accompanied by additional symptoms, it becomes a clinical red flag. Interrupted breathing patterns and reduced oxygen saturation can quietly undermine overall health, often going unnoticed until more serious complications develop.
Key signs and symptoms of sleep apnea include:
- Pauses in breathing that are observed by someone else
- Persistent fatigue or sleepiness throughout the day
- Trouble focusing, forgetfulness, or decreased alertness
- Waking up with headaches or a dry, sore throat
- Restlessness during sleep or frequent night-time awakenings
- Gasping, snorting, or choking sounds while sleeping
- Elevated blood pressure, particularly in the morning
- Chest tightness or pain during the night
- Snoring that disrupts household members
- In children: learning difficulties, hyperactivity, or mood swings
Sleep apnoea typically presents in a recurring sequence: loud snoring, a moment of silence as breathing stops, then a sudden gasp or choking sound as normal breathing resumes. These disruptions can happen dozens — or even hundreds — of times in a single night, preventing the brain and body from getting the restorative sleep they need. Over time, untreated sleep apnoea can lead to emotional changes, strained relationships, reduced job performance, and increased vulnerability to chronic illness. Identifying these symptoms early offers the best chance of reversing the effects and restoring healthy sleep.
What causes snoring in females and males?
Short answer: snoring happens the same way in everyone — air moving through a narrowed airway makes nearby tissues vibrate.
What differs: the reasons that airway narrows and how often it happens.
How Sex Differences Shape Snoring Risk
- Hormones: Estrogen and progesterone help keep airway muscles toned. That’s one reason many pre-menopausal women snore less. After menopause, when these hormones drop, snoring often increases. Pregnancy can also raise snoring due to normal swelling and congestion.
- Body shape & fat distribution: Men are more likely to carry weight around the neck and upper airway, making collapse — and snoring — more likely at the same BMI.
- Airway anatomy: On average, male upper airways are longer and more collapsible. That makes “mouth-open, back-sleeping” nights louder.
- Sleep position: Anyone can snore on their back, but men tend to have more position-dependent snoring and sleep apnea.
What This Means for You If you’re male
- Prioritize weight management and neck circumference reduction if applicable.
- Avoid alcohol within 3–4 hours of bedtime — it relaxes airway muscles.
- Try side-sleeping (a body pillow helps).
- If a partner notices pauses in breathing, get screened for sleep apnea.
If you’re female
- Pregnancy: Snoring that’s new or worse is common; treat nasal congestion, use side-sleeping, and mention symptoms to your provider.
- Perimenopause/menopause: A rise in snoring is typical; lifestyle steps plus evaluation for sleep apnea can help.
- Anytime: Loud snoring plus daytime sleepiness or morning headaches warrants a check-in.
Takeaway: Gender Differences in Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Everyone snores for the same basic reason, but biology and life stages make the triggers different. Tackle what you can — weight, alcohol timing, sleep position — and don’t ignore warning signs. The right plan can turn noisy nights into restful, quiet sleep.
Does sleep apnea make you tired?
As the night unfolds, individuals with sleep apnea may find themselves abruptly jolted awake, gasping for breath or choking. These episodes, though fleeting, disrupt the natural progression through sleep cycles, preventing the individual from reaching the deep, restorative stages of slumber. Consequently, the impact extends into the waking hours, manifesting as excessive daytime sleepiness, difficulty concentrating, and irritability.
What happens if you stop breathing in your sleep ?
When breathing stops during sleep — whether for a few seconds or up to a minute — the consequences can be far more serious than simple snoring or restless nights. This interruption in airflow, known medically as apnoea, can have an immediate and cumulative effect on nearly every major system in the body. In Canada, sleep apnoea affects a growing portion of the population, with significant health implications if left untreated.
Health Risks of Untreated Sleep Apnea
The consequences of untreated sleep apnea extend beyond the realm of mere inconvenience. Research has linked this sleep disorder to a heightened risk of various health issues, including hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic disorders such as diabetes. The cumulative effects of fragmented sleep not only compromise physical health but also pose risks to mental and emotional well-being.
Forest plot of risk ratios (OR/HR/RR) for medical consequences of untreated obstructive sleep apnea (OSAS).
Untreated obstructive sleep apnea (OSAS) is consistently associated with higher adverse outcomes across cardiovascular, metabolic, and safety domains.
- Stroke & death: ~3.8× higher.
Severe apnea dramatically raises the chance of a major, life-threatening event. - High blood pressure (hypertension): ~2.4–2.9× higher.
Nightly stress surges push your blood pressure up and keep it there. - Heart failure: ~2.4–2.9× higher.
The heart works overtime against low oxygen and pressure spikes, weakening over time. - Motor-vehicle accidents: ~2.4–2.9× higher.
Daytime sleepiness and slower reaction times make driving riskier. - Workplace (occupational) accidents: elevated (exact multiple varies).
Fatigue and lapses in attention increase mistakes on the job. - Type 2 diabetes: ~1.4–1.6× higher.
Poor sleep and stress hormones worsen insulin resistance. - Depression: ~1.4–1.6× higher.
Fragmented sleep affects mood and brain chemistry. - Coronary artery disease: ~1.1× higher (slight).
There’s still an uptick in clogged-artery risk, just smaller than the others.
Overall, the pattern indicates that OSAS is not benign: repeated nocturnal hypoxia and sympathetic surges likely drive cardiovascular strain and daytime impairment, increasing both medical and accident risks. Clinically, this supports early detection and treatment (e.g., weight management, positional therapy, oral appliances, CPAP/BiPAP as appropriate) to reduce morbidity and mortality — especially in severe OSA.
Limitations: the figure shows point estimates (a mix of OR/HR/RR) without confidence intervals or study-level details, so precision and heterogeneity aren’t visible here; however, the direction and relative magnitude of risk are clear and consistently elevated above 1.0.
Why Understanding Sleep Apnea Matters
Sleep apnea is more than just a sleep disorder — it is a significant public health concern that affects millions of Canadians, often silently. Recognising its impact is essential not only for diagnosis and treatment but also for preventing long-term complications across multiple areas of life.
What Makes Sleep Apnea So Important?
- It’s common and underdiagnosed: Many individuals remain unaware they have it until serious symptoms emerge.
- It affects more than sleep: The condition has direct links to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and mental health issues.
- It impacts daily functioning: Poor sleep quality leads to fatigue, memory problems, and reduced productivity.
- It increases public risk: Drowsy driving and workplace accidents are often tied to untreated sleep apnea.
- It’s treatable: With early intervention, individuals can regain restful sleep and reduce long-term health risks.
Sleep Apnea — Silent Symptoms vs. Visible Consequences
| Category | Silent Symptoms | Long-Term Consequences |
|---|---|---|
| Sleep Quality | Fragmented sleep, frequent awakenings | Chronic fatigue, impaired memory |
| Cardiovascular Health | Night-time oxygen drops | High blood pressure, increased heart disease risk |
| Cognitive Function | Reduced productivity, risk of workplace errors | Difficulty concentrating, morning headaches |
| Mood & Mental Health | Irritability, low motivation | Depression, anxiety disorders |
| Public Safety | Microsleeps while driving | Higher accident rates, occupational hazards |
| Quality of Life | Poor sleep satisfaction | Social withdrawal, reduced quality of relationships |
Understanding these dimensions helps individuals, families, and healthcare providers appreciate why early detection and consistent treatment matter. In the sections ahead, we’ll explore risk factors, symptoms, and available therapies — including lifestyle changes, CPAP devices, and surgical options — aimed at restoring healthy, uninterrupted sleep.
How Sleep Apnea Is Diagnosed
Diagnosing sleep apnea often involves a comprehensive evaluation, and in many cases, a sleep study conducted in a specialized sleep center. This in-depth examination monitors various physiological parameters during sleep, shedding light on the intricacies of an individual’s nocturnal experiences. Armed with this information, healthcare professionals can tailor interventions to the specific needs of each patient, ranging from lifestyle modifications to advanced therapeutic devices.
How does sleep apnea develop Scope and Ripple Effects
Sleep apnea is a multifactorial disorder with roots in anatomical, neurological, and lifestyle-related factors. In Canada, the condition affects a significant portion of the adult population — an estimated 6.4% of Canadians aged 18 to 79 have been diagnosed with or are at high risk for sleep apnea, according to Statistics Canada (https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/82-003-x/2021003/article/00002-eng.htm). The condition develops gradually, often progressing without obvious symptoms until its impact becomes severe. Importantly, its ripple effects are not confined to sleep alone; they extend to cardiovascular health, cognitive function, and even public safety.
Types of Sleep Apnea
Central to the understanding of sleep apnea is the recognition of its two primary forms: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central sleep apnea. OSA, the more prevalent of the two, involves the physical blockage of the airway, typically due to relaxed throat muscles. Central sleep apnea, on the other hand, stems from a failure of the brain to send appropriate signals to the muscles responsible for breathing. While distinct in their origins, both forms result in disruptive pauses in breathing, impacting the sleep architecture and overall sleep quality.
Cardiovascular Links and Stroke Risk
The repercussions of untreated sleep apnea extend far beyond mere fatigue. One of the most concerning associations lies in the realm of cardiovascular health. The recurrent drops in oxygen levels and the strain on the cardiovascular system during apneic episodes can contribute to the development or exacerbation of hypertension, a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Studies have increasingly shown a direct connection between sleep apnea and stroke, with untreated cases leading to higher rates of both ischemic and hemorrhagic events. The oxygen deprivation, vascular stress, and increased clot formation seen in apnea episodes create conditions that can trigger a stroke, particularly during sleep. Recognizing this link is key to early diagnosis and prevention. Research has also linked sleep apnea to an increased risk of irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias), heart failure, and other cardiovascular complications.
Metabolic Consequences
Metabolism, too, falls under the sway of sleep apnea. The disorder has been implicated in insulin resistance and glucose intolerance, fostering an environment conducive to the development of type 2 diabetes. The intricate dance between sleep and metabolic health underscores the importance of addressing sleep apnea not merely as a nocturnal nuisance but as a potential precursor to broader health concerns.
Cognitive, Emotional, and Social Impact
Beyond the physiological ramifications, sleep apnea takes a toll on cognitive function and emotional well-being. Excessive daytime sleepiness, a hallmark symptom, can impair concentration, memory, and decision-making. The persistent state of grogginess may lead to decreased productivity at work and an increased risk of accidents, both on the road and in the workplace. Relationships, too, can bear the brunt of sleep apnea, as the loud snoring and disrupted sleep patterns may strain the patience and understanding of sleep partners.
Can you cure sleep apnea?
Treatable but not always curable Sleep apnea — especially obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) — is manageable and, in certain cases, reversible. However, a complete cure depends on the cause and type.
Lifestyle changes (may cure mild cases)
- Weight loss: Fat around the neck/throat can narrow the airway.
- Losing just 10–15% of body weight can significantly improve symptoms.
- Positional therapy: Some people only have apnea while sleeping on their back.
- Avoiding alcohol/sedatives: These relax throat muscles, making collapse more likely.
- Quit smoking: Smoking causes airway inflammation and fluid retention.
Take away: Mild to moderate OSA can sometimes be reversed with these changes.
CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) – gold standard treatment, not a cure
You might not be thrilled about the idea of sleeping with a machine — but CPAP is a game-changer. It’s not just the most recommended treatment for obstructive sleep apnea — it’s the one with the best results, hands down.
So what does it actually do?
A CPAP machine delivers a gentle, constant stream of air through a mask, keeping your airway open all night. That means:
- No more choking or gasping for air
- No more dozens of sleep interruptions
- No more dangerous oxygen drops
Sure, it’s not a “cure” in the technical sense. But when it comes to getting your life back, nothing works better. Users often report:
- Better sleep quality from night one
- Increased energy during the day
- Sharper memory and focus
- Fewer headaches and mood swings
It’s like upgrading your brain and body overnight.
Using oral appliances to treat sleep apnea
- Custom dental devices move the jaw forward to keep the airway open.
- Effective in mild/moderate cases.
- Like CPAP, it treats but doesn’t cure the condition.
Obstructive sleep apnea surgery
- Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP): Removes excess tissue in the throat.
- Inspire therapy (hypoglossal nerve stimulator): A pacemaker-like device that keeps muscles active during sleep.
- Septoplasty, tonsillectomy, or jaw advancement surgery – Depending on the anatomical issue.
These can potentially cure OSA if anatomy is the root cause, especially in:
- Children with enlarged tonsils/adenoids
- Adults with specific structural abnormalities
Treating Central Sleep Apnea
- Often secondary to conditions like heart failure or opioid use.
- Cure involves treating the underlying cause, like:
- Adjusting medications
- Managing heart failure
- Adaptive servo-ventilation (a special kind of CPAP)
So, when is sleep apnea curable?
It’s potentially curable when:
- Caused by reversible factors (e.g., obesity, enlarged tonsils)
- A surgical correction is successful
- It’s positional and can be avoided
But in many cases — especially moderate to severe OSA — you’re looking at ongoing management, not elimination.
You can often control sleep apnea very well — and sometimes even eliminate it entirely — but most people need long-term treatment.
Long-Term Management and Follow-Up
The journey to reclaiming restful nights involves a collaborative effort between healthcare providers and individuals affected by sleep apnea. Regular monitoring, adjustments to treatment plans, and ongoing education contribute to a comprehensive approach that extends beyond the confines of the sleep clinic.
Sleep Apnea Essentials: The 60-Second Version
- Sleep apnea is common and underdiagnosed. It causes repeated breathing pauses that fragment sleep and strain the heart and brain.
- Red flags: loud snoring, witnessed pauses, gasping/choking at night, morning headaches, daytime fatigue, trouble focusing.
- Health risks rise without treatment: hypertension, heart disease, stroke risk, diabetes, accidents, mood changes, reduced productivity.
- Diagnosis is straightforward via a sleep study (in-lab or home sleep test).
- Treatment works. CPAP is the gold standard; oral appliances, positional therapy, weight loss, and (in specific cases) surgery also help.
- Early action matters — it improves sleep quality, energy, safety, and long-term health.
Take the first step toward better sleep today
You don’t need a doctor’s prescription to buy your CPAP — all our products are fully licensed and approved in Canada. Call +1 (855) 860-3404 to check if you qualify for government assistance or coverage through your work insurance. Breathe easier, sleep deeper, and wake up refreshed.
FAQ: Sleep Apnea – Causes & Risk Factors
How many people have sleep apnea?
Over 1 billion people worldwide are estimated to have sleep apnea, including about 25 million adults in the U.S. — many without a diagnosis.
What kind of doctor treats sleep apnea?
A sleep medicine specialist is the primary doctor for sleep apnea. Depending on the cause, you may also see a pulmonologist, ENT (ear, nose, and throat doctor), or neurologist.
What does sleep apnea feel like?
It can feel like waking up suddenly gasping, chronic fatigue during the day, morning headaches, or brain fog — even after a full night’s rest.
How common is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea affects about 1 in 5 adults with mild cases and 1 in 15 with moderate to severe cases. It’s one of the most common sleep disorders globally.
What is a sleep apnea study?
A sleep apnea study, called a polysomnography, is a test done in a sleep lab or at home to monitor breathing, oxygen levels, and brain activity while you sleep.
Does everyone have sleep apnea?
No. While brief pauses in breathing can occur in normal sleep, true sleep apnea is a medical condition and doesn’t affect everyone.
Is moderate sleep apnea dangerous?
Yes. Moderate sleep apnea raises your risk for heart problems, high blood pressure, stroke, and type 2 diabetes if not treated properly.
How many apneas per hour is considered normal?
A normal sleep pattern has fewer than 5 apneas per hour.
- 5–14 = Mild apnea
- 15–29 = Moderate apnea
- 30 or more = Severe apnea
Who are the experts in sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea experts include board-certified sleep physicians, pulmonologists, ENTs, and dentists specializing in dental sleep medicine.
Can sleep apnea come and go?
Yes. Sleep apnea can fluctuate with changes in weight, nasal congestion, alcohol use, or sleep position, but rarely resolves on its own.
Can you have sleep apnea and not know it?
Yes, and that’s common. Many people are unaware because symptoms like snoring or gasping happen during sleep. Excessive daytime sleepiness is often the only clue.
What kind of expert should I see for sleep apnea?
You should consult a sleep medicine expert, often a pulmonologist, neurologist, or ENT with specific training in sleep disorders.
Ed Wagner
Related Articles
September 11, 2025 No Comments
Most Canadian clinics still insist on a prescription before they’ll sell you a CPAP, BiPAP, or APAP machine—so people wait on referrals, sleep studies,
September 2, 2025 No Comments
Sleep apnea is a disorder where breathing repeatedly stops or becomes very shallow during sleep, fragmenting rest and straining cardiovascular and metabolic systems. The most
Ready to Check out our Products?
Just click below to check out the revolutionary BeC CPAP Machine and Masks.