Breathing is steady
Air moves through the throat and oxygen stays more stable.
Continue through one event.Visual field guide 04Breathing + sleep
Sleep can look
quiet while breathing
keeps breaking.
Sleep apnea is not simply snoring. Breathing repeatedly stops or becomes too shallow, pulling the brain out of restorative sleep to protect the airway.
Watch one cycle ↓A practical, 5-minute visual guide
10 PM2 AM6 AM
AIRFLOWsteadypause
ONE NIGHT, MANY INTERRUPTIONSThe sleeper may not remember waking. The nervous system does.
THE REPEATING LOOPA blocked breath becomes
A blocked breath becomes
a tiny alarm.
In obstructive sleep apnea, the effort to breathe continues while the upper airway narrows. The cycle can happen many times an hour.
OBSTRUCTIVE VS CENTRALSame outcome, different mechanism.
Obstructive sleep apnea is a physical blockage despite breathing effort. In central sleep apnea, the brain temporarily does not send the signal needed to breathe. A sleep study helps tell them apart.
WHAT TO NOTICEThe clues span
The clues span
night and day.
People often seek help because someone else notices the night-time pattern, or because daytime function has changed.
Loud or disruptive snoring
Snoring alone is not a diagnosis, and some people with sleep apnea do not snore.
Pauses, gasps or choking
A partner may notice breathing stop and restart before the sleeper does.
Sleepiness or fatigue
Unrefreshing sleep can affect reaction time, focus, mood and memory.
Dry mouth or headache
Frequent urination, insomnia and reduced libido can also occur.
SAFETY FIRSTSleepy driving is an urgent signal.
If you are struggling to stay awake, do not drive or operate machinery. Arrange another way home and seek medical advice.
THE SLEEP STUDYMeasure the whole night,
Measure the whole night,
not just the snore.
Testing links breathing changes to oxygen, effort and sleep. Home testing suits some adults; an in-lab study records more signals and is needed in other situations.
The apnea-hypopnea index counts complete and partial breathing events per hour of sleep. It helps describe severity, but symptoms, oxygen drops, sleep position and other health conditions also matter.
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Common adult thresholds: mild · moderate · severeA negative home test does not always end the investigation.
Home tests can miss sleep apnea. Persistent symptoms, suspected central apnea or significant medical conditions may call for an in-lab study.
KEEP THE AIRWAY OPENTreatment should fit
Treatment should fit
the person and pattern.
The right route depends on apnea type, severity, anatomy, symptoms, other health conditions and what can be used consistently.
AIR SPLINT
Positive airway pressure
CPAP or auto-adjusting PAP sends gently pressurised air through a mask. That pressure acts like a pneumatic splint, helping stop the throat from closing.
- Where it fits
- Often the most effective treatment for OSA, particularly when it is moderate to severe or causes marked sleepiness.
- Useful context
- Mask fit, humidity, pressure comfort and nasal symptoms can all be adjusted.
MAKE PAP LIVABLEComfort problems are
Comfort problems are
adjustable problems.
Early friction does not mean PAP has failed. Small equipment and setting changes often make a meaningful difference.
Leaks or pressure marks
Refit the mask while lying in your sleep position. A different size or mask style may seal better.
Dry nose or mouth
Heated humidification, a heated hose or addressing mouth leak may help.
Pressure feels strange
Practise while awake. Ask about ramp, expiratory relief or a review of pressure settings.
Still tired or struggling
Bring the device data to your clinician. Residual events, leaks, sleep time and other sleep disorders can be reviewed.
Do not change prescribed pressure or stop treatment because of discomfort without contacting your sleep clinic or equipment provider.
THE NEXT USEFUL STEPNotice. Test.
Notice. Test.
Treat. Recheck.
SOURCESEvidence behind