Sleep apnea is a common and serious condition characterized by temporary and repeated cessation of breathing during sleep, for several seconds or even minutes, 5-30 or more times per hour, preventing deep, restful sleep. If you snore heavily and feel constantly tired despite getting enough sleep, you may suffer from sleep apnea. In this article, we will discuss the causes of sleep apnea, its symptoms, and how to treat it. (1)

Types of sleep apnea

There are two main types of sleep apnea based on the main cause of sleep apnea: (2)

  • Obstructive sleep apnea: This is the most common type, where there is a blockage in the airway, typically in the throat, due to muscle relaxation during sleep, which prevents air from reaching the lungs.
  • Central sleep apnea: In this type, there is no obstruction in the airway, however the Brain temporarily stops sending the necessary signals to the breathing muscles, resulting in a temporary cessation of breathing.

Symptoms of sleep apnea

Symptoms of sleep apnea include: (2)

  • Loud snoring.
  • Frequent cessation of breathing during sleep.
  • Frequently waking up during the night, gasping or choking.
  • Mood swings and difficulty concentrating.
  • Morning headache.
  • Excessive daytime sleepiness.
  • Dry mouth upon waking.


It is normal for people with sleep apnea to not realize their irregular breathing unless someone else warns them. Many symptoms can also be caused by other health problems, so if you have symptoms of sleep apnea, consult your doctor to get the correct diagnosis and treatment.


Causes of sleep apnea

Several factors and causes may contribute to the occurrence of sleep apnea, some of them relate to the anatomy of the body, others to sleep habits and general health status.


The most important of these causes and risk factors are:


  • Overweight and obesity, especially in the neck area (large neck).
  • Enlarged tonsils and adenoids, especially in children.
  • Anatomical structure of the respiratory tract: Such as: narrow airways, large tonsils, large tongue, small lower jaw, or arched palate.
  • Some diseases: Such as: diabetes, heart failure, hypertension, Parkinson's disease, polycystic ovary syndrome, hormonal disorders, previous stroke, chronic lung diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and diseases of the nervous system and brain.


Other factors that contribute to sleep apnea:

  • Aging Although it may occur in children and young adults.
  • Certain medications and sedatives.
  • Nasal congestion.
  • Hormonal changes during pregnancy.
  • Smoking and alcohol.
  • Sleeping on the back.
  • Men are more susceptible than women.
  • Family history.

Treatment and prevention of sleep apnea

Treatment for sleep apnea depends on its type and severity, and generally requires taking effective steps to improve lifestyle and general health, in addition to the use of assistive breathing devices such as a CPAP device, and surgery in some cases: (4)(5)

1- Lifestyle modifications

  • Maintain a healthy weight, by following a healthy diet and exercising regularly.
  • Quit smoking.
  • Avoid alcohol and sedatives.
  • Sleep on the side, avoid sleeping on the back.
  • Sleep on a slightly raised pillow.

2- Assistive breathing devices

Assisted breathing machines are the first line of treatment for most cases of obstructive apnea, such as a CPAP machine (most common), which keeps the airways open by continuously pumping air through a mask covering the nose and mouth.

3- Surgical intervention

In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct anatomical problems in the airways, such as removing tonsils or correcting a deviated nasal septum.

4- Sleep pattern monitoring

It is useful to monitor sleep patterns through modern technologies such as wearable devices that measure sleep quality. These devices can help early detect any potential breathing problems during sleep.




If you struggle with chronic snoring, excessive sleepiness, or difficulty concentrating, you may be experiencing more than just fatigue. At Al-Ahli Hospital’s Pulmonary Department, we offer comprehensive exams, including sleep studies, to accurately diagnose your condition and create a personalized treatment plan. Book your appointment today and take the first step toward better sleep and improved well-being.



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