Sleep apnea
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Sleep apnea: Condition overview
Get treatment, especially for severe symptoms

Consumer Reports Health explains the best and most up-to-date expert research and evidence about treating sleep apnea. Our clear and sound advice helps you and your doctor choose your best treatment options.

Key points for people with sleep apnea
  • If you have sleep apnea, there are times during the night when you stop breathing for a few moments.
  • Sleep apnea happens when the muscles in your throat relax and block the flow of air to your lungs.
  • When you stop breathing, you may wake up with a snorting, choking or gasping sound.
  • You are more likely to get sleep apnea if you are very overweight, older, or a man.
Having sleep apnea can make you feel very drowsy during the day. You may find it hard to concentrate or remember things, or feel tired and moody when you wake up. It's important to get treatment if you have sleep apnea, especially if it's severe. Wearing a mask at night to help you breathe or wearing a special mouthpiece to keep your airway open is likely to help.

Our concise condition report and Treatment Ratings table will help you and your doctor decide which treatment for sleep apnea is right for you. As a Consumer Reports Health subscriber, we'll also help you sort through the best research and the most effective treatments for over 100 conditions and illnesses that may affect you and your family.