Sleep Apnea in Men
Sleep apnea causes breathing to stop and restart during sleep. NHLBI says it is a common condition that can lead to poor sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, and increased risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
Symptoms
Loud snoring, gasping during sleep, morning headaches, daytime sleepiness, and trouble focusing.
Causes and risk
Obesity, neck size, male sex, age, alcohol use, and nasal congestion are risk factors. Sleep apnea is underdiagnosed in men.
How it is evaluated
Evaluation often starts with a symptom screening questionnaire and a sleep study -- either home-based or in a lab.
Treatment
Treatment may include weight loss, PAP therapy, dental appliances, and position changes depending on the case.
When to seek care
Seek care for significant daytime sleepiness, partner-reported apnea, morning headaches, or unexplained fatigue.