What is sleep apnea?
There are two types of sleep apnea:
Sleep apnea is more common than many people may realize
Sleep apnea disrupts your sleep cycle and can dramatically impact your energy, mental performance and long-term health.
Sleep apnea can have serious short- and long-term health risks if left untreated, including (but not limited to)3:
High blood pressure
Irregular heartbeat
Heart disease / heart attack
Stroke
Type 2 diabetes
Driving- and work-related accidents
Untreated sleep apnea is associated with a number of health risks, so it’s important to consult a sleep specialist if you have these signs and symptoms.
Nighttime symptoms3,4
Loud, persistent snoring
Witnessed pauses in breathing
Gasping for air during sleep
Restless sleep
Frequent visits to the bathroom
Daytime symptoms3,4
Early morning headaches
Excessive daytime fatigue
Poor concentration
Depression or irritability
Sleepiness during routine activities
Frequently asked questions
- Benjafield, A. V., Ayas, N. T., Eastwood, P. R., Heinzer, R., Ip, M. S. M., Morrell, M. J., … Malhotra, A. (2019). Estimation of the global prevalence and burden of obstructive sleep apnoea: a literature-based analysis. The Lancet Respiratory Medicine, 7(8), 687–698. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2213-2600(19)30198-5
- Frost and Sullivan (2016). A Hidden Health Crisis Costing America Billions. American Academy of Sleep Medicine sleep-apnea-economic-crisis.pdf
- Mayo Clinic. Sleep Apnea Complications. August 2015. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sleep-apnea/basics/complications/con-20020286
- NIH 2025 National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. What Is Sleep Apnea? https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/sleep-apnea Accessed August 19, 2025.