The Health Risks of Sleep Apnea and the Importance of Diagnosis

Most people report sleep-related issues, but many do not prioritize addressing them. Among the various sleep disorders, sleep apnea is notably concerning, affecting nearly 1 billion individuals worldwide, and this number continues to grow. In a campaign in October 2025, former basketball star Shaquille O’Neal raised awareness about sleep apnea, underscoring the need for greater recognition of this condition.

The most common type, obstructive sleep apnea, is marked by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep, leading to daytime sleepiness, headaches, and snoring, among other symptoms. Persistently untreated, it can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

The typical perception of those affected by sleep apnea is often skewed, as it is not limited to older, obese males. This stereotype can lead to missed diagnoses, especially among women and other demographics who may not fit the conventional profile.

Sleep apnea has implications that extend beyond sleep disturbances. It involves repeated pauses in breathing—hypopneas and apneas—resulting in lower oxygen levels in the body and brain. Some individuals may experience these episodes over 100 times each hour, often lasting around 20 seconds. Many might not even recall these disruptions upon waking.

Decreased oxygen levels consequently elevate blood pressure and heart rates, stressing the cardiovascular system and increasing the risk of conditions such as hypertension, heart failure, and stroke. Additionally, there is a connection between sleep apnea and neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s.

The disorder also diminishes quality of life, raises the likelihood of motor vehicle accidents, and incurs escalating medical costs for individuals and healthcare systems.

The rising prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea is influenced by better awareness among healthcare providers and improved screening options. However, increasing obesity rates and an aging population also contribute to the growing number of diagnoses.

Treatment options have evolved substantially over the past two decades. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, which uses air currents to keep airways open, remains the standard. Yet, many find CPAP burdensome or intolerable. Alternative treatments include implantable nerve stimulators, oral appliances, positional therapy, and myofunctional training. In late 2024, the FDA approved the drug tirzepatide for treating sleep apnea by aiding weight loss, an important factor given the disorder's association with obesity.

Despite these advancements, disparities exist in diagnosis and treatment across different populations. Women frequently report symptoms such as headaches and insomnia, which are often overlooked by standard screening tools that primarily identify classic signs of sleep apnea. Research into disparities in diagnosis is crucial, particularly as current diagnostic standards are predominantly based on studies involving white populations.

For instance, standard pulse oximetry, an essential tool for detecting blood oxygen levels, may be less accurate in individuals with darker skin. Moreover, Medicaid beneficiaries, disproportionately from racial minority groups, often struggle to obtain long-term CPAP coverage even though studies indicate that Black men often experience more severe sleep apnea than their white counterparts.

To improve your chances of receiving a referral for sleep apnea evaluation, initiate a conversation with your primary care provider. Sleep studies can now be performed at home, minimizing concerns about hospital procedures. If you or your bed partner suspect sleep apnea due to symptoms like excessive daytime sleepiness or frequent nighttime disturbances, consider raising these issues with your healthcare provider. Starting this dialogue could be crucial for diagnosis, treatment, and overall well-being.