If you wake up feeling tired, experience loud snoring, or find yourself struggling to stay awake during the day, you might be dealing with more than just poor sleep. Many people suffer from a condition called sleep apnea, and unfortunately, most don’t even realize it. At SD Sleep Center in San Diego, we often see patients who thought they just needed “more sleep” but were actually living with untreated sleep apnea. Understanding this condition is the first step toward restoring your health and quality of life.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a common but serious sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts throughout the night. These pauses can last for a few seconds or longer and may occur dozens or even hundreds of times in a single night. Because your body is deprived of oxygen, sleep apnea not only disrupts sleep but also has wide-ranging effects on your health.
When patients ask, “What is sleep apnea?” we often explain it as a nighttime interruption in your breathing rhythm that keeps your brain and body from getting the rest and oxygen they need. Over time, this lack of restorative sleep can affect everything from energy levels to cardiovascular health.
Sleep Apnea Types
There are three main sleep apnea types, and identifying the right one is key to finding the most effective treatment.
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) – The most common form, caused when the soft tissues in the back of the throat collapse and block the airway.
- Central Sleep Apnea (CSA) – Less common, this type occurs when the brain fails to send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing.
- Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome – Also called mixed sleep apnea, this is a combination of obstructive and central sleep apnea.
At SD Sleep Center, we frequently treat patients with obstructive sleep apnea, but part of our process involves determining which type you have before recommending treatment.
Sleep Apnea Causes
Why does sleep apnea happen in the first place? Several sleep apnea causes can play a role, and in many cases, it’s a combination of factors. Obesity is one of the leading causes, as excess weight can increase fat deposits around the airway. Other causes include anatomical features like a small jaw or enlarged tonsils, nasal congestion, chronic allergies, and even lifestyle habits such as alcohol use or smoking.
Understanding what triggers sleep apnea in your case helps us personalize your care. For example, a patient with airway structure issues may need a different approach than someone whose symptoms are tied to weight.
Sleep Apnea Risk Factors
Anyone can develop sleep apnea, but some people are more at risk than others. The most common sleep apnea risk factors include being overweight, having a thick neck circumference, or being male—though women are increasingly diagnosed as well. Age also increases risk, particularly in middle-aged and older adults.
Genetics play a role too. If sleep apnea runs in your family, your chances of developing it are higher. Certain lifestyle habits, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and sedentary behavior, add to the risk. At SD Sleep Center, we encourage San Diego patients to be proactive if they fall into one or more of these categories.
Sleep Apnea Symptoms
Because sleep apnea occurs while you’re asleep, many people don’t realize they have it until a partner mentions loud snoring or observed pauses in breathing. Other common sleep apnea symptoms include:
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Morning headaches
- Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat
- Difficulty concentrating
- Mood changes, including irritability or depression
These symptoms may seem vague, but when combined with nighttime breathing issues, they are strong indicators of sleep apnea.
Sleep Apnea Effects
Untreated sleep apnea can impact nearly every part of your health. The effects of sleep apnea range from fatigue and reduced productivity to more serious issues like high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and memory problems. Over time, your body becomes less resilient because it’s constantly stressed from lack of oxygen and fragmented sleep.
Patients often notice that their relationships suffer as well, since snoring and restless nights affect partners too. In San Diego, where active lifestyles are common, untreated sleep apnea can limit your ability to enjoy everything from hiking at Torrey Pines to surfing at La Jolla.
Sleep Apnea Diagnosis
Getting a proper sleep apnea diagnosis is critical. Many patients assume they can just treat snoring, but without a full evaluation, the underlying condition is missed. At SD Sleep Center, we conduct sleep studies that monitor breathing, oxygen levels, brain activity, and heart rate while you sleep.
These studies can be performed in a dedicated sleep center or at home, depending on your case. Once diagnosed, we categorize your sleep apnea by severity, which guides your treatment plan.
Sleep Apnea Severity
Not all cases of sleep apnea are the same. Sleep apnea severity is typically classified as mild, moderate, or severe, depending on how many breathing interruptions occur per hour of sleep.
- Mild – 5 to 14 pauses per hour
- Moderate – 15 to 29 pauses per hour
- Severe – 30 or more pauses per hour
Even mild cases can have a big impact on daily life, and patients in San Diego often come to us surprised at how much better they feel once their condition is treated.
Sleep Apnea Complications
If ignored, sleep apnea can lead to long-term health issues. Sleep apnea complications include chronic high blood pressure, increased risk of heart attack and stroke, insulin resistance, and complications with surgery or medications. Some studies even link sleep apnea to cognitive decline and dementia.
That’s why timely diagnosis and treatment aren’t just about sleeping better—they’re about protecting your overall health.
Sleep Apnea Treatment
The good news is that effective sleep apnea treatment is available. The most well-known therapy is CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure), which delivers steady air pressure through a mask to keep the airway open. However, CPAP isn’t the only solution.
Dental appliances, or oral appliance therapy, can reposition the jaw and tongue to maintain an open airway. These are often ideal for patients who can’t tolerate CPAP. Lifestyle changes—such as weight loss, reducing alcohol consumption, or changing sleep positions—also play a role. In some cases, surgical procedures may be recommended to remove excess tissue or correct structural issues.
At SD Sleep Center, we specialize in tailoring treatment to each patient’s needs. For example, many San Diego patients benefit from dental appliances that are comfortable, travel-friendly, and effective for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea.
Living With Sleep Apnea
Adjusting to life with sleep apnea treatment takes time, but the payoff is worth it. Patients often report waking up refreshed, having more energy, and even noticing improvements in mood and mental clarity.
Living with sleep apnea also means adopting healthier habits. Maintaining a healthy weight, practicing good sleep hygiene, avoiding sedatives, and exercising regularly can make a significant difference. Support from healthcare providers and family also plays a vital role in long-term success.
At SD Sleep Center, we don’t just provide treatment—we walk with you through every step of managing your condition. Many of our patients in San Diego find that once they address sleep apnea, they also gain a renewed appreciation for their overall health.
Sleep Apnea Treatment in San Diego
If you’re searching for sleep apnea treatment in San Diego, SD Sleep Center is here to help. Our team combines advanced diagnostic tools with customized treatment options designed to fit your lifestyle. Whether you’re struggling with snoring, fatigue, or more severe symptoms, we’re dedicated to restoring your sleep and your health.
San Diego is known for its vibrant lifestyle, and you deserve the energy and well-being to enjoy it fully. Don’t let sleep apnea hold you back from feeling your best, whether that’s spending time with family, exploring local beaches, or performing at your peak at work.
Restoring Your Sleep, Restoring Your Health
Sleep apnea is more than a nighttime inconvenience—it’s a serious health condition with real consequences if left untreated. By understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatments available, you can take control of your health and reclaim the rest you deserve.
At SD Sleep Center in San Diego, we’re committed to helping you find the right path forward. If you suspect you may have sleep apnea, reach out to schedule a consultation. The sooner you seek help, the sooner you can begin living with better sleep, improved health, and renewed energy.