Sleep Apnea Testing

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a common but often undiagnosed condition in which breathing repeatedly pauses during sleep. Here's a clear overview of what it is and why it matters.

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A simple definition

Sleep apnea is a sleep-related breathing disorder in which airflow repeatedly stops or becomes very shallow during sleep. Each pause can briefly lower your oxygen level and pull you out of deep sleep — often without you realizing it — dozens or even hundreds of times a night.

The main types

  • Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) — the most common form, caused by the airway collapsing or becoming blocked during sleep.
  • Central sleep apnea — less common, where the brain doesn't send the right signals to the muscles that control breathing.
  • Mixed — a combination of both.

Why it matters

Left untreated, obstructive sleep apnea is associated with high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and daytime drowsiness that raises accident risk. The good news: it is highly diagnosable with a home sleep study and very treatable once identified. Learn the signs of sleep apnea or explore treatment options.

Keep Reading

Related Sleep Topics

Home Sleep Apnea Testing

The full Georgia home sleep testing overview. →

Signs of Sleep Apnea

Symptoms to watch for, including snoring. →

Treatment Options

CPAP and beyond, physician-guided. →

Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Untreated obstructive sleep apnea is associated with high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and drowsy-driving risk. Because it's very treatable, getting diagnosed is an important step for your health.
OSA occurs when the airway narrows or collapses during sleep. Contributing factors can include excess weight, airway anatomy, nasal congestion, and other health conditions.
Yes. Sleep apnea is highly treatable. Common approaches include PAP therapy, weight management, positional strategies, and other options your physician can discuss after a diagnosis.

Physician-led sleep care across Georgia.

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