Sleep Health

What Is Sleep Apnea? Signs, Risks & Treatment Options in Delhi-NCR

Do you find yourself waking up tired despite getting a full night's sleep? Does your partner complain about your loud snoring? These could be signs of sleep apnea, a serious sleep disorder that affects millions of people worldwide.

Dr. Medical Team

14 January 2024

12 min read

Sleep apnea is characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep, leading to poor sleep quality and various health complications. If you're experiencing symptoms like loud snoring, gasping for air during sleep, morning headaches, or excessive daytime fatigue, it's important to understand what sleep apnea is and seek proper medical evaluation.

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a potentially serious sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. These breathing interruptions can last from a few seconds to minutes and may occur 30 times or more per hour. The condition prevents your body from getting enough oxygen, disrupting your sleep cycle and affecting your overall health.

There are three main types:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): The most common form, caused by throat muscles relaxing and blocking the airway during sleep.
Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): Occurs when the brain fails to send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing.
Mixed/Complex Sleep Apnea: A combination of both obstructive and central sleep apnea.

Common signs & symptoms

Loud, habitual snoring (often with choking or gasping)
Pauses in breathing witnessed by a bed partner
Unrefreshing sleep, morning headaches, dry mouth
Daytime sleepiness, low energy, irritability
Trouble concentrating or memory lapses
Frequent night-time urination
Elevated blood pressure or hard-to-control diabetes

Tip:

The STOP-BANG questionnaire is a simple screening tool that can help identify your risk for sleep apnea. Ask your healthcare provider about it during your next visit.

Why it matters

Untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious health complications including cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, and cognitive impairment. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve quality of life and reduce these health risks.

Who is at risk?

Physical Risk Factors

Being overweight or obese
Large neck circumference
Enlarged tonsils or adenoids
Nasal congestion or deviated septum
Small jaw or receding chin

Other Risk Factors

Age (more common after 40)
Male gender
Family history of sleep apnea
Smoking and alcohol use
Certain medical conditions

This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment recommendations.

How is sleep apnea diagnosed?

1) Home Sleep Apnea Test (HSAT)

A convenient home sleep study that monitors your breathing patterns, oxygen levels, and sleep position in the comfort of your own bed. Available for Delhi-NCR residents with same-day device delivery and pickup services.

2) Overnight Polysomnography (Lab Study)

A comprehensive overnight study conducted in a sleep laboratory that monitors brain waves, eye movements, muscle activity, heart rhythm, breathing effort, and oxygen levels. This gold standard test provides the most detailed analysis of your sleep patterns and breathing disturbances.

What results mean:

The Apnoea-Hypopnoea Index (AHI) measures the number of breathing interruptions per hour. Normal: <5 events/hour, Mild OSA: 5-15 events/hour, Moderate OSA: 15-30 events/hour, Severe OSA: >30 events/hour. Your sleep specialist will explain your results and recommend appropriate treatment based on your AHI score and symptoms.

Treatment options that work

Good news: Sleep apnea is highly treatable! With proper diagnosis and treatment, most people experience significant improvement in sleep quality, daytime alertness, and overall health within weeks of starting therapy.

Lifestyle changes

Maintain a consistent sleep schedule (same bedtime and wake time daily)
Weight management through diet and regular exercise
Avoid alcohol and sedatives, especially before bedtime
Treat nasal allergies and congestion to improve airflow

CPAP / APAP therapy (first-line for moderate-severe OSA)

Device function: Delivers continuous positive airway pressure to keep airways open

APAP features: Auto-adjusting pressure based on your breathing patterns

Mask options: Nasal, full-face, and nasal pillow styles for comfort

Humidification: Built-in heated humidifier prevents dryness

Delhi-NCR rental options: Try before you buy with flexible rental plans

BiPAP / bilevel therapy

Provides two pressures for higher pressure needs or lung conditions

Oral appliance therapy

Dentist-made device for mild-moderate OSA

Positional therapy

Wearable devices for back/stomach sleepers

Surgery (selected cases)

ENT procedures for nasal/airway obstruction

Getting started in Delhi-NCR

1

Risk check

STOP-BANG screening

2

Test

Home sleep study arrangement

3

Trial CPAP/APAP

Rental to find right mask and settings

4

Follow-up

1-2 weeks for fine-tuning

At MediComfort

We provide comprehensive Delhi-NCR support services including home sleep tests, CPAP/APAP rentals, professional mask fitting, personalized onboarding, and dedicated Q&A comfort sessions to ensure your sleep therapy success.

FAQs

Is snoring the same as sleep apnea?

No. Many people snore, but snoring plus choking/gasping or daytime sleepiness is more concerning. Testing clarifies the diagnosis.

Will weight loss cure sleep apnea?

Weight loss can help, but it's not a guaranteed "cure." Many patients still need CPAP or an oral device—your follow-up sleep data will guide decisions.

Is CPAP uncomfortable?

A well-fitted mask with the right pressure and humidification is typically comfortable after a short adjustment period. Most users report better energy and focus once therapy is dialled in.

Do I need a lab study if I've done a home test?

Often no—if your case is straightforward. Your clinician will advise if a lab study is needed for accuracy or if central/mixed apnoea is suspected.

Can children have sleep apnea?

Yes—often related to enlarged tonsils/adenoids. Paediatric evaluation is important if a child snores loudly, breathes through the mouth, or has learning/behaviour concerns.

How MediComfort can help (Delhi-NCR)

Home Sleep Study (HSAT)

Simple setup, sleep in your own bed, physician-interpreted report

CPAP/APAP Rentals

Try at home with mask fitting and quick onboarding

Purchase Support

Guidance on machines, masks, filters, humidifiers, and maintenance

Ready to sleep better?

Book Sleep Study CPAP Rental Contact Expert

Sleep Apnea CPAP Health Treatment Delhi NCR

Published on 14/1/2024

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