Sleep Apnea | Why Do I Stop Breathing in My Sleep?

Sleep apnea is a disorder characterized by repeated interruptions of breathing during sleep. An "apneic event" refers to a pause in breathing. In the most common form, Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), the muscles in the back of the throat fail to keep the airway open. This leads to a physical blockage, stopping airflow. Consequently, oxygen levels in the blood drop, a condition known as hypoxemia. The brain detects this dangerous drop and sends a signal to briefly awaken the individual, allowing them to resume breathing, often with a loud snort or gasp. This cycle can occur hundreds of times per night, severely disrupting the natural sleep architecture and preventing restorative deep sleep. These constant arousals and oxygen fluctuations place significant stress on the entire body, particularly the brain and cardiovascular system.

There are two primary forms of this disorder. The first and most prevalent is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), which is caused by a mechanical obstruction of the upper airway. The second is Central Sleep Apnea (CSA), a less common form where the brain fails to send the correct signals to the muscles that control breathing. In CSA, the airway is not blocked, but the body makes no effort to breathe. A third type, known as complex or mixed sleep apnea, is a combination of both OSA and CSA. Differentiating between these types is critical as it dictates the appropriate course of treatment and management.

The chronic sleep fragmentation and intermittent hypoxia caused by sleep apnea have significant neurological and psychological consequences. Constant interruptions prevent the brain from entering the deeper, restorative stages of sleep necessary for memory consolidation and cognitive cleanup. This can lead to deficits in attention, concentration, and executive function. Furthermore, the persistent stress on the nervous system can increase the risk of developing or worsening mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety. The brain is highly sensitive to oxygen levels, and repeated deprivation can impair neuronal health over time.

Key indicators of sleep apnea include loud and persistent snoring, episodes of breathing cessation witnessed by another person, and abrupt awakenings accompanied by gasping or a choking sensation. Due to the poor quality of sleep, individuals often experience excessive daytime sleepiness, finding it difficult to stay awake while driving or working. Other common symptoms include waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat, morning headaches, and difficulty concentrating during the day. These signs should not be ignored, as they point to a serious underlying condition.

Yes, the link is definitive and significant. Untreated sleep apnea is a major risk factor for numerous cardiovascular diseases. The recurrent drops in blood oxygen and the stress from frequent awakenings increase blood pressure and strain the heart. This elevates the risk for hypertension, heart attacks, stroke, and cardiac arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats). Beyond cardiovascular issues, sleep apnea is also strongly associated with type 2 diabetes, as it can worsen insulin resistance. The chronic stress state it induces can negatively impact metabolic processes throughout the body, making it a condition with systemic health implications.