Many adults snore occasionally. Others wake up feeling tired even after what should have been a full night of sleep. Because these symptoms are common, many people assume they are harmless. However, they may be indicators of sleep apnea, which is far more widespread and damaging than most people realize.
This sleep disorder occurs when the airway narrows or collapses during sleep, causing breathing to slow down or briefly stop. These breathing interruptions may last only seconds, but they can repeat many times throughout the night. Sleep apnea is widely recognized as one of the most frequently diagnosed sleep-related breathing disorders in adults. Despite its prevalence, many people do not realize they have sleep apnea.
Understanding how common sleep apnea is, how it is diagnosed and when sleep apnea testing may be needed can help patients recognize when it is time to seek medical evaluation.
How Many Adults Have Sleep Apnea?
Experts from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine estimate that around 30 million adults in the United States are living with obstructive sleep apnea. Despite how common the condition is, approximately 80 percent of moderate-to-severe cases have never been formally diagnosed.
When sleep apnea remains untreated, it can affect more than just sleep quality. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute reports that sleep apnea is associated with an increased risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes.
Why Don’t People Realize They Have Sleep Apnea?
Because the condition occurs during sleep, symptoms may go unnoticed for years. In many cases, a bed partner is the first person to notice warning signs such as loud snoring, choking during sleep or pauses in breathing. Others simply assume their fatigue is due to stress, aging or poor sleep habits. Many people adapt to feeling tired and assume their symptoms are normal.
Risk Factors for Sleep Apnea
Several factors can increase the risk of obstructive sleep apnea in adults, including:
- Excess weight that narrows the airway
- Structural airway differences, such as a deviated septum
- Enlarged tonsils or tongue that obstruct airflow
- Chronic nasal congestion that interferes with breathing
- Alcohol or sedatives that relax throat muscles during sleep
- Age-related changes that increase airway collapse
Because sleep apnea frequently involves the airway structure, evaluation by an ear, nose, and throat specialist can be especially helpful.
Signs You May Need a Sleep Apnea Evaluation
Recognizing the warning signs of sleep apnea can help patients seek care sooner. Common symptoms include:
- Loud or persistent snoring
- Breathing pauses during sleep that a partner notices
- Waking up choking or gasping for air
- Morning headaches
- Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking
- Daytime fatigue or excessive sleepiness
- Difficulty concentrating or memory problems
A simple way to understand the difference between normal snoring and a potential problem is this: snoring is common, but repeated breathing pauses are not. If these symptoms occur regularly, a physician may recommend sleep apnea screening and further evaluation.
How Does an ENT Diagnose Sleep Apnea?
Diagnosing sleep apnea begins with a thorough clinical evaluation. An ENT specialist does more than simply ask about snoring. During a sleep apnea evaluation, your physician may review:
- Your sleep symptoms and medical history
- Reports from a bed partner about snoring or breathing pauses
- Nasal obstruction or chronic congestion
- Tonsil size and throat anatomy
- Tongue position and airway structure
- Health conditions that increase sleep apnea risk
Because obstructive sleep apnea is closely related to airway anatomy, this type of examination helps determine whether sleep apnea testing is necessary.
At Broward ENT and Aesthetics, Dr. DuMornay and the clinical team take a comprehensive approach to diagnosing sleep apnea. By carefully evaluating the airway and discussing symptoms in detail, they can determine whether a sleep study for sleep apnea may help confirm the diagnosis.
What Is a Sleep Study for Sleep Apnea?
A sleep study measures your breathing patterns, oxygen levels and other important sleep-related factors while you rest. This data allows Dr. DuMornay to determine whether your breathing repeatedly stops or becomes shallow during the night, confirm a sleep apnea diagnosis and assess its severity.
There are two primary types of sleep studies. An in-lab polysomnography (PSG) is an overnight study conducted at a sleep center. Sensors monitor your brain waves, eye movements, heart rate, blood oxygen levels, airflow and body position throughout the night, giving your doctor a detailed picture of what happens while you sleep.
A home sleep apnea test offers a more convenient alternative. You wear a portable device with fewer sensors while sleeping in your own bed. It tracks airflow, breathing effort and blood oxygen, though it does not record brain activity. Home testing is often a good fit for patients who have a high likelihood of moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea and no other significant sleep disorders.
In most cases, symptoms alone are not enough to confirm a diagnosis; testing is needed. At Broward ENT & Aesthetics, Dr. DuMornay and the clinical team review your symptoms and airway structure to determine which type of sleep study is the right fit for you.
Schedule a Sleep Apnea Evaluation
If you experience loud snoring, persistent fatigue or pauses in breathing during sleep, it may be time to take your symptoms seriously. Sleep apnea is a common condition, but it often goes undiagnosed for years. Identifying the problem early can help protect your sleep quality and long-term health.
At Broward ENT and Aesthetics in Fort Lauderdale, FL, you will be evaluated by specialists who focus on disorders of the airway, nose and throat. Dr. DuMornay and the team provide comprehensive sleep apnea evaluations, carefully assessing your symptoms, airway structure and overall health to determine whether sleep apnea testing or a sleep study may be appropriate.
By combining ENT expertise with advanced diagnostic tools, Broward ENT helps patients receive an accurate diagnosis and a personalized path toward better sleep. Contact us online or call (954) 368-3348 to schedule a consultation.
