Sleep Apnea: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Sleep Apnea?
A sleep specialist, a doctor trained to find and treat sleep problems, usually leads care for sleep apnea. You may be sent to a dentist or orthodontist, a tooth and jaw expert, for a mouth device. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a common condition in which your breathing stops and restarts many times while you sleep. This can keep your body from getting enough oxygen. Breathing pauses can last from a few seconds to minutes.
There are two types of sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea happens when your upper airway becomes blocked many times while you sleep. This is the most common type. Central sleep apnea happens when your brain does not send the signals needed to breathe.
Symptoms
Common signs of sleep apnea include:
- Loud snoring. However, not everyone who snores has sleep apnea.
- Snorting or choking sounds when normal breathing starts again.
- Gasping for air during sleep.
- Feeling drowsy during the day, because your sleep is interrupted.
Poor sleep can lead to trouble concentrating, making decisions, and remembering things. People with sleep apnea are at higher risk for car crashes and work-related accidents.
Causes and who gets it
Some factors can narrow your airway and raise the risk of obstructive sleep apnea. Two examples are obesity and large tonsils. You are also more at risk if you are overweight, male, or have a family history or small airways. Children with enlarged tonsils or adenoids may also get it.
Central sleep apnea can be caused by health conditions that affect how your brain controls your airways and chest muscles.
How doctors diagnose it
Doctors diagnose sleep apnea based on medical and family histories, a physical exam, and sleep study results. Your provider may have you do a sleep study, a test done while you sleep.
Treatment
A PAP machine is the most common treatment for sleep apnea. It is a breathing device that helps keep your airway open, such as a CPAP machine. Side effects may include congestion, dry eyes or mouth, nosebleeds, or a runny nose. If you have stomach discomfort or bloating, stop using your PAP machine and contact your provider.
You may also benefit from other treatments to keep your airways open while you sleep.
- Healthy lifestyle changes can be very effective. These include regular physical activity, healthy sleeping habits, a healthy weight, limiting alcohol and caffeine, and quitting smoking.
- Your provider may suggest sleeping on your side instead of your back, which can help keep your airway open.
- An oral device may be an option if you do not want to use or cannot tolerate a CPAP machine.
- Exercises for the mouth and face muscles, called orofacial therapy, may also help adults and children.
- The FDA has approved a weight-loss medicine for people with moderate to severe sleep apnea and obesity. It is given as a shot under the skin.
- This medicine may cause serious side effects in some cases.
If these treatments do not work, your provider may recommend surgery to correct the problem that is causing your sleep apnea.
Surgery choices include:
- A nerve stimulator that is placed under the skin of the chest to keep the airway open.
- Tonsil removal.
- Surgery to remove tissue from the mouth and throat to make the upper airway larger.
- Moving the upper or lower jaw forward to make the upper airway larger.
- Weight-loss surgery, if obesity adds to sleep apnea and other treatments do not work.
When to see a doctor
Talk to your provider if someone tells you that you snore or gasp for air during sleep. Also ask about sleep apnea if you often feel very sleepy during the day. Untreated sleep apnea increases the risk for stroke, heart attack, and other serious problems.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have chest pain, trouble breathing, fainting, or sudden weakness, dizziness, or a change in vision.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either kind of doctor can review your symptoms, help you get a sleep study, and follow your treatment over time.
Common questions
Is sleep apnea serious?
Yes, sleep apnea can be serious if it is not treated. It also raises the risk of car crashes and work-related accidents.
Does everyone who snores have sleep apnea?
No, not everyone who snores has sleep apnea. People with sleep apnea often snore loudly, and breathing restarts with a snort or choking sound.
What are the two types of sleep apnea?
The two types are obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea, caused by a blocked upper airway, is the most common type.
What is the most common treatment for sleep apnea?
A PAP machine is the most common treatment for sleep apnea. Healthy lifestyle changes often work best when paired with it.
Can sleep apnea be treated without a CPAP machine?
Yes, other treatments can help many people. Examples are lifestyle changes, mouthpieces, and surgery.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Sleep Apnea
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute - Sleep Apnea: What Is Sleep Apnea?
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute - Sleep Apnea: Treatment
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
