Sleep Health Education Hub
Understanding Sleep Apnea
Clear, evidence-based information on obstructive sleep apnea: what it is, the warning signs, why it matters for your heart and how it is diagnosed and treated.
What is obstructive sleep apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) happens when the muscles in the throat relax too much during sleep and the airway narrows or closes. Breathing stops or becomes shallow for 10 seconds or more, many times an hour. Each time, oxygen levels drop and the brain briefly wakes you to restart breathing, usually without you remembering.
936Madults aged 30 to 69 worldwide have sleep apnea
425Mhave moderate to severe sleep apnea
Source: Benjafield AV, et al. Estimation of the global prevalence and burden of obstructive sleep apnoea. Lancet Respiratory Medicine, 2019. Most people with sleep apnea have never been diagnosed.
Signs and symptoms of sleep apnea
- Loud, regular snoring
- Pauses in breathing, choking or gasping at night
- Waking up tired even after a full night
- Morning headaches
- Falling asleep during the day or while driving
- Poor concentration, memory or mood
- Waking often at night to urinate
- Dry mouth or sore throat on waking
Many people don't know they stop breathing at night, so a partner's observations are very valuable. Our free sleep apnea test checks the most important signs.
Why sleep apnea matters: health risks
- High blood pressure, especially when hard to control
- Heart disease and irregular heartbeat
- Stroke
- Type 2 diabetes
- Depression and anxiety
- Road and work accidents from drowsiness
Treating sleep apnea can improve energy, mood and concentration, and can help bring blood pressure under control.
How is sleep apnea diagnosed?
A screener like STOP-Bang shows whether testing is worthwhile. Diagnosis needs a sleep study:
- Home sleep apnea test: a small device worn overnight at home records breathing and oxygen levels. Suitable for many adults with a high risk score.
- Overnight sleep study (polysomnography): done in a sleep lab and measures breathing, oxygen, brain activity and heart rhythm.
Results are reported as the number of breathing pauses per hour (the apnea-hypopnea index, AHI): 5 to 14 is mild, 15 to 29 moderate and 30 or more severe.
Sleep apnea treatment options
- CPAP: a bedside machine that keeps the airway open with gentle air pressure through a mask. The most effective treatment for moderate to severe sleep apnea.
- Weight loss: even modest weight loss can reduce how often breathing stops.
- Sleeping on your side: helps when apnea is worse lying on your back.
- Oral appliances: custom mouthguards fitted by a dentist for mild to moderate cases.
- Avoiding alcohol and sedatives before bed, which relax the throat muscles.
HubPharm can support you with weight management, blood pressure care and Afiya reminders on WhatsApp. Ask a clinician which treatment suits you.
Tips for better sleep
- Keep the same sleep and wake times every day
- Avoid alcohol and heavy meals 3 hours before bed
- Limit caffeine after midday
- Sleep on your side, not your back
- Keep the bedroom dark, quiet and cool
- Put screens away 30 minutes before sleep
Related free health screening tools
Sleep apnea, high blood pressure, diabetes and low mood are closely linked. These free, confidential tools help you see the full picture.
Last updated: November 2026 · HubPharm Africa · For education only, not a substitute for medical advice.