Patient Education – Sleep Apnea

What It Is

Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing stops and starts many times while you sleep. This can make your sleep poor and cause you to feel very tired during the day.

Causes and Risk Factors

• Sleep apnea happens when the muscles in your throat relax too much and block your airway.
  
  

• It can also happen if your brain doesn’t send the right signals to your breathing muscles (central sleep apnea).
  
  

• Risk factors include:
  
  

  • Being overweight or obese
    
    

  • Having a large neck size
    
    

  • Being older than 40 years
    
    

  • Smoking or drinking alcohol
    
    

  • Having a family history of sleep apnea
    
    

  • Having certain medical conditions like high blood pressure or heart disease
    
    

Signs and Symptoms

Common signs include:

• Loud snoring
  
  

• Gasping or choking during sleep
  
  

• Feeling very tired or sleepy during the day
  
  

• Morning headaches
  
  

• Trouble concentrating or memory problems
  
  

• Dry mouth or sore throat when waking
  
  

• Mood changes like irritability or depression
  
  

Complications If Untreated or Noncompliance

• High blood pressure and heart disease
  
  

• Stroke
  
  

• Diabetes
  
  

• Daytime accidents due to sleepiness
  
  

• Poor quality of life
  
  

• Increased risk of death
  
  

Treatment and Self-Care Measures

• Use a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine to keep your airway open during sleep.
  
  

• Lose weight if overweight.
  
  

• Avoid alcohol and smoking.
  
  

• Sleep on your side instead of your back.
  
  

• Use special mouthpieces if recommended.
  
  

• Treat any nasal congestion or allergies.
  
  

Common Types of Medications

• There are no specific medicines to cure sleep apnea, but some medications may help with related problems like sleepiness or nasal congestion.
  
  

• Always talk to your doctor before taking new medicines.
  
  

Dietary Needs

• Eat a healthy diet to maintain a good weight.
  
  

• Avoid heavy meals, caffeine, or alcohol close to bedtime.
  
  

Lifestyle Changes

• Quit smoking and avoid alcohol before bed.
  
  

• Establish a regular sleep schedule.
  
  

• Exercise regularly, but not right before bedtime.
  
  

• Keep your bedroom quiet, dark, and comfortable.
  
  

Safety Considerations

• Follow your doctor’s advice on using CPAP or other devices.
  
  

• Don’t drive or operate heavy machinery if you feel very sleepy.
  
  

• Attend all follow-up appointments and sleep studies if needed.
  
  

Prevention and Maintenance Tips

• Maintain a healthy weight.
  
  

• Avoid smoking and alcohol.
  
  

• Keep your sleep environment good for rest.
  
  

• Treat allergies or nasal problems early.
  
  

• Use CPAP or other devices as prescribed.
  
  

When to Call for Help

Call your Home Health Agency or Doctor if you have:

• Increased daytime sleepiness that affects daily activities
  
  

• Trouble using your CPAP machine or device
  
  

• New or worsening headaches or mood changes
  
  

• Signs of infection from any device you use
  
  

• Difficulty breathing during sleep or waking gasps
  
  

Go to the Emergency Room or Call 911 if you have:

• Severe difficulty breathing at any time
  
  

• Chest pain or pressure
  
  

• Confusion or inability to stay awake
  
  

• Severe choking or gasping episodes
  
  

• Sudden weakness or numbness
  
  

© 2025 Judith Regan / K.N.O.W. – Knowledge for Nurturing Optimal Well-Being. All rights reserved. | Educational use only | Not a substitute for medical advice | In emergencies call 911

Patient Homework / Assessment

Instructions: Choose True or False for each statement. Correct any false statements.

1. True or False: Sleep apnea causes breathing to stop and start during sleep.
   
   

2. True or False: Loud snoring is a common sign of sleep apnea.
   
   

3. True or False: Sleep apnea only affects overweight people.
   
   

4. True or False: Feeling very sleepy during the day can be a symptom of sleep apnea.
   
   

5. True or False: Using a CPAP machine helps keep the airway open during sleep.
   
   

6. True or False: Smoking and alcohol can make sleep apnea worse.
   
   

7. True or False: Sleeping on your back is better for sleep apnea.
   
   

8. True or False: There are no medications that cure sleep apnea.
   
   

9. True or False: Losing weight can help improve sleep apnea.
   
   

10. True or False: Sleep apnea can increase the risk of heart problems.
    
    

11. True or False: You should avoid heavy meals and caffeine before bedtime.
    
    

12. True or False: Sleep apnea can cause mood changes like irritability.
    
    

13. True or False: It is safe to drive if you feel very sleepy from sleep apnea.
    
    

14. True or False: Regular exercise can help with sleep apnea.
    
    

15. True or False: CPAP machines should be used only occasionally.
    
    

16. True or False: Nasal congestion can make sleep apnea worse.
    
    

17. True or False: Sleep apnea can cause morning headaches.
    
    

18. True or False: Sleep apnea does not affect children.
    
    

19. True or False: Keeping a regular sleep schedule helps manage sleep apnea.
    
    

20. True or False: You should talk to your doctor if your symptoms get worse.
    
    

Individualized Questions for Patients

• How often do you feel sleepy during the day?
  
  

• Do you use a CPAP machine or other device? How is it working for you?
  
  

• Have you noticed changes in your mood or memory?
  
  

• What is your typical sleep position?
  
  

• Do you smoke or drink alcohol before bed?
  
  

• Have you tried lifestyle changes like weight loss or exercise?
  
  

• Do you have any difficulty breathing during sleep?
  
  

• Have you had any sleep studies or tests?
  
  

• Are you experiencing headaches or dry mouth in the morning?
  
  

• What support do you need to use your treatment devices properly?