Understanding Sleep Apnoea and Its Health Effects

medica-seed-editor · October 14, 2026, 10:09pm

Sleep apnoea is a common sleep disorder that can cause vascular abnormalities and increase the risk of developing heart disease.

What is sleep apnoea?

It is a health condition where the airway narrows or closes completely during sleep, leading to a temporary breathing stoppage. This condition affects approximately 20% of people and can be fatal if left untreated.

Types of obstructive sleep apnea and its causes

Obstructive sleep apnea is the most prevalent type, occurring when the muscles of the throat, tongue, and soft palate relax, reducing airflow to the lungs and lowering blood oxygen levels. Its causes include:

Obesity and smoking.
Narrow throat structure or nasal deviation.
Enlarged tonsils or adenoids.
Alcohol and drug use.

The second type is central sleep apnoea, which is less common. It results from the brain failing to send breathing signals to the respiratory system and is often linked to heart failure, kidney failure, or strokes.

Risk factors for sleep apnoea

Several factors increase the likelihood of developing this condition, most notably:

Age and Gender: The likelihood increases with age; for women, the rate rises from 25% in the 20-44 age group to 75% in the 55-70 age group.
Health Status: Conditions such as diabetes, thyroid problems, allergies, and sinusitis.
Other Factors: Pregnancy, menopause, Down syndrome, and family history.

Impact on blood vessels and the heart

Studies have shown that those with obstructive sleep apnea may suffer from abnormalities in small and large blood vessels and impaired blood flow to the heart muscle, even if they are otherwise healthy and do not have hypertension. This disorder is also linked to an increased risk of strokes, heart attacks, memory problems, and dementia.

Treatment options for sleep apnoea

The choice of treatment depends on the severity and cause of the condition:

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)

This device pumps a continuous stream of air through a mask to prevent the airway from collapsing. This treatment has been proven to:

Improve vascular function and blood flow to the heart.
Enhance sleep quality, behavior, and concentration in children (even when used for 3 hours per night).

Surgical interventions and lifestyle changes

Surgery: This includes removing tonsils or reducing tissues causing the obstruction. It has also been noted that removing an enlarged thyroid gland helped one-third of patients reduce snoring and apnea symptoms.
Lifestyle: Weight management, quitting smoking, sleeping on the side, and following a heart-healthy diet.
Medications: Certain medications, such as acetazolamide and zolpidem, are used to treat the central type after consulting a doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes sleep apnoea?

In the obstructive type, the cause is the relaxation of throat muscles or anatomical obstructions such as obesity and enlarged tonsils. In the central type, the cause is a failure in the brain’s signals to the respiratory system.

What are the symptoms of sleep apnoea?

Signs include snoring, gasping or choking during sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness, and waking up feeling short of breath and exhausted.

How can I avoid sleep apnoea?

Risks can be reduced by maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, and sleeping on your side.

When should you visit a doctor?

Seek medical consultation immediately if the following signs appear:

Loud and persistent snoring.
Frequent waking from sleep due to a feeling of choking.
Severe lethargy and irresistible sleepiness during daytime hours.
A sleep partner noticing a temporary breathing stoppage.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice.