Sleep apnea is one of the most common sleep disorders, yet many people don’t fully understand what causes it. While symptoms like snoring and daytime fatigue are widely recognized, the underlying reasons behind sleep apnea are often more complex.
At Sleep Wellness Center, we help patients identify not just the presence of sleep apnea, but the factors contributing to it. Understanding the cause is an important step toward effective treatment and better sleep.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. These pauses can happen dozens or even hundreds of times per night, disrupting sleep and reducing oxygen levels in the body.
The most common type is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which occurs when the airway becomes blocked during sleep.
Airway Blockage Is The Primary Cause
The most direct cause of sleep apnea is a narrowing or collapse of the airway while you sleep. When you’re awake, the muscles in your throat help keep your airway open. But during sleep, those muscles relax. For some people, this relaxation causes the airway to partially or fully close, making it difficult for air to pass through. This leads to:
- Pauses in breathing
- Drops in oxygen levels
- Brief awakenings (often without realizing it)
Common Risk Factors for Sleep Apnea
While airway collapse is the main cause, several factors can increase your risk:
Excess Weight
Extra tissue around the neck and throat can put pressure on the airway, making it more likely to collapse during sleep.
Anatomy and Airway Structure
Naturally narrow airways, enlarged tonsils, or a recessed jaw can contribute to airflow restriction.
Age
Sleep apnea becomes more common with age as muscle tone decreases.
Gender
Men are statistically more likely to develop sleep apnea, though it is also common in women, especially after menopause.
Family History
A genetic predisposition can play a role in airway structure and sleep apnea risk.
Alcohol and Sedatives
These relax the muscles in the throat even further, increasing the likelihood of airway collapse.
Nasal Congestion
Chronic congestion or difficulty breathing through the nose can contribute to disrupted airflow during sleep.
Other Types of Sleep Apnea
While obstructive sleep apnea is the most common, there are other forms:
- Central sleep apnea: Caused by the brain not sending proper signals to control breathing
- Complex sleep apnea: A combination of obstructive and central sleep apnea
A sleep study helps determine which type is present and what’s contributing to it.
Why It’s Important to Identify the Cause
Understanding what causes sleep apnea is key to choosing the right treatment. Different contributing factors may require different approaches, such as:
- CPAP therapy to keep the airway open
- Oral appliances to adjust jaw positioning
- Lifestyle changes to reduce contributing factors
Without identifying the cause, symptoms may persist and impact long-term health.
When to Consider a Sleep Study
It may be time to take a closer look if you’re experiencing symptoms like:
- Loud snoring
- Gasping or choking during sleep
- Waking up refreshed
- Daytime fatigue
- Morning headaches
Sleep Wellness Center offers both home sleep studies and in-lab testing to evaluate breathing patterns, oxygen levels, and sleep disruptions. These tests provide the information needed to accurately diagnose sleep apnea and determine the best path forward.
Sleep apnea isn’t caused by just one thing, it’s often the result of a combination of physical, lifestyle, and biological factors. While it’s common, it’s not something to ignore. Understanding what’s causing your sleep disruptions is the first step toward better rest, improved energy, and long-term health.
Ready to Get Answers? Sleep Wellness Center Can Help.
Whether you're noticing signs for the first time or you've been putting off getting checked, taking that first step is easier than you think. We offer both home sleep studies and in-lab testing at our Fargo and Grand Forks locations, and we're here to guide you through the entire process.