What would put me at risk of having sleep apnea?

It’s important to remember anyone can have sleep apnea – men, women and children. It is typically associated with: A narrow throat airway Overweight/obese Family history of sleep apnea Increasing age

Is sleep apnea serious?

Sleep apnea is very serious and can lead to short- and long-term health conditions if left untreated3. These health conditions include: High blood pressure Heart disease Type 2 diabetes Hypertension Stroke Obesity/Overweight What’s more, people with untreated sleep apnea may lack the energy to enjoy all that life has to offer.

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that causes you to stop breathing during sleep. It’s important to understand the signs and symptoms and consult your doctor if you think you might have it.

Treating sleep apnea with CPAP therapy can help you get the rest you need and take back control of your life.

Did you know?

Sleep apnea impacts more than 936 million people worldwide — nearly 10 times greater than previous estimates¹.

What causes sleep apnea?

There are three main types of sleep apnea, but the most common is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). When we sleep, the throat relaxes. For people with OSA, sometimes they relax so much that the airway becomes narrowed or blocked. As a result, air flow is reduced or completely stops flowing into the upper airway and the lungs, so the body doesn’t get the oxygen it needs to function.

What happens when you have sleep apnea?

1. Air stops flowing

An apnea event is when air stops flowing to your lungs for ten seconds or longer, meaning you stop breathing.

2. Brain sends a signal

Your brain sends a signal to your body to wake up and take a breath. You take a breath and fall back to sleep.

3. Cycle repeats

These apnea events can occur hundreds of times a night and many people with sleep apnea don’t know it’s happening.

Benefits of sleep apnea treatment and CPAP therapy

Effective sleep apnea therapy, which includes the use of CPAP equipment, has been shown to help ease common symptoms and improve energy levels, productivity and overall mind-body wellness. It’s important to remember that if left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to other serious health issues.

Video stories from people who have sleep apnea

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A doctor's advice on getting diagnosed with a sleep disorder

Snoring and fatigue: first signs of sleep apnea

Common questions about sleep apnea answered

There are three types of sleep apnea: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), central sleep apnea (CSA) and mixed sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea accounts for 84% of sleep apnea diagnoses². Consult your doctor to find out if you have sleep apnea.

A sleep test performed by medical professionals is the best way to diagnose sleep apnea. The most common sign of sleep apnea is snoring. Depending on the type of sleep apnea you have, other symptoms can include:

Being told you stop breathing during sleep
Excessive daytime tiredness or fatigue
Morning headaches
High blood pressure

It’s important to remember anyone can have sleep apnea – men, women and children. It is typically associated with:

A narrow throat airway
Overweight/obese
Family history of sleep apnea
Increasing age

Sleep apnea is very serious and can lead to short- and long-term health conditions if left untreated³. These health conditions include:

High blood pressure
Heart disease
Type 2 diabetes
Hypertension
Stroke
Obesity/Overweight

What’s more, people with untreated sleep apnea may lack the energy to enjoy all that life has to offer.

Yes. While many people who have sleep apnea are overweight, others are quite fit. The natural shape and structure of your airway (your nose and throat) plays a big role in your chance of developing sleep apnea.

Many things can make us tired. Sometimes we just need to practice good sleep habits. If you feel extra tired in the morning, even though you thought you got a good night’s sleep, then you may have a sleep disorder like sleep apnea. Any problems with your sleep should be discussed with your doctor.

Online sleep quiz

Sleep apnea affects 1 in 3 people¹.

Find out how well you sleep in less than 3 minutes with our free sleep quiz.

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