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Patient Education
Sleep Apnea
A practical guide to symptoms, risk factors, sleep study diagnosis, CPAP/BiPAP therapy, and home treatment support in Chennai.
Overview
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. If you snore loudly and feel tired even after a full night's sleep, you might have sleep apnea.
Interrupted breathing during sleep
Sleep apnea causes repeated pauses or reductions in breathing while asleep, often followed by gasping, snoring, or brief awakenings.
Poor sleep quality
Even if the patient spends enough hours in bed, untreated sleep apnea can prevent deep, restorative sleep.
Treatable with the right plan
Diagnosis usually starts with a sleep study, followed by CPAP, BiPAP, lifestyle changes, or specialist care depending on severity.
The main types of sleep apnea are
Types of Sleep Apnea
- 01
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
which is the more common form that occurs when throat muscles relax and block the flow of air into the lungs
- 02
Central sleep apnea (CSA)
which occurs when the brain doesn't send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing
- 03
Treatment-emergent central sleep apnea
complex sleep apnea, which happens when someone has OSA — diagnosed with a sleep study — that converts to CSA when receiving therapy for OSA
Symptoms
Signs of sleep apnea
- Loud snoring
- Episodes of stopped breathing during sleep
- Gasping for air during sleep
- Morning headache
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability
Do not ignore these signs
- Severe daytime sleepiness while driving or working
- Repeated choking or gasping at night
- Morning headaches with high blood pressure
- Low oxygen levels during sleep study or home monitoring
Risk factors
Common causes and risk factors
- Being overweight
- Having a large neck circumference
- A narrowed airway
- Being male
- Older age
- Family history
- Use of alcohol, sedatives, or tranquilizers
- Smoking
- Nasal congestion
How sleep apnea is diagnosed
1
Clinical history: snoring, witnessed pauses, sleepiness, weight, neck size, and medical conditions
2
Sleep study: home sleep test or in-lab polysomnography to measure breathing, oxygen, sleep stages, and events
3
Severity grading: apnea-hypopnea index, oxygen drops, symptoms, and heart or lung risk
4
Treatment planning: CPAP, Auto CPAP, BiPAP, mask selection, pressure settings, and follow-up
Treatment
Treatment and home therapy options
CPAP or Auto CPAP
A CPAP machine keeps the airway open with gentle positive pressure. Auto CPAP adjusts pressure through the night based on breathing needs.
BiPAP therapy
BiPAP provides different inhale and exhale pressures. It may be considered when CPAP is not tolerated or when more ventilatory support is needed.
Sleep study testing
A sleep study confirms the type and severity of sleep apnea so treatment can be prescribed correctly.
SaleCPAP support for better sleep
A CPAP machine delivers steady airflow to help keep the airway open during sleep. Srivari Healthcare supports patients with device selection, mask fitting, demo, rental or purchase options, and follow-up support in Chennai.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if I have sleep apnea?
Common signs include loud snoring, witnessed breathing pauses, gasping during sleep, morning headaches, and daytime sleepiness. A sleep study is needed to confirm it.
Is CPAP the main treatment for sleep apnea?
CPAP is a common first-line treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. Some patients may need Auto CPAP, BiPAP, lifestyle changes, or specialist review.
Can sleep apnea affect the heart?
Untreated sleep apnea can be associated with high blood pressure, irregular heart rhythm, and higher cardiovascular risk. Medical evaluation is important.
Need help with sleep apnea?
Book a sleep study or speak with Srivari Healthcare about CPAP and BiPAP therapy options.