What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea—and Why You Shouldn’t Ignore It

Do you snore loudly, wake up gasping for air, or feel exhausted even after a full night’s sleep? These could be signs of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) -- a condition that affects your breathing while you sleep and can significantly impact your health if left untreated.

At the LVMC Sleep Disorder Center, we help patients identify and manage sleep apnea every day. Understanding the symptoms and risks of OSA is the first step toward better sleep -- and better health.

What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the muscles in your throat relax too much during sleep, temporarily blocking your airway. This causes you to stop breathing -- sometimes hundreds of times a night -- until your body jerks awake to restore airflow.

These interruptions are often so brief you don’t remember them, but they prevent you from reaching deep, restful sleep and put serious strain on your body.

Common Signs and Symptoms

Sleep apnea can look different for everyone, but these are the most frequent red flags:

• Loud, persistent snoring
• Gasping or choking sounds during sleep
• Daytime fatigue or falling asleep at inappropriate times
• Morning headaches
• Dry mouth or sore throat when waking
• Irritability, depression, or mood swings
• Difficulty concentrating or memory problems

If you share a bed or room, a partner may notice the breathing pauses before you do.

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore It

Left untreated, obstructive sleep apnea is linked to a range of serious health complications, including:

🫀 Heart Disease and High Blood Pressure
Frequent drops in oxygen strain the cardiovascular system and increase the risk of heart attacks, stroke, and arrhythmias.

🧠 Cognitive Decline
Lack of restful sleep can lead to memory loss, poor concentration, and slower reaction times.

🍬 Type 2 Diabetes
Sleep apnea can worsen insulin resistance and complicate diabetes management.

⚠️ Increased Risk of Accidents
Excessive daytime sleepiness increases your risk for car crashes and workplace injuries.

👎 Decreased Quality of Life
From low energy to strained relationships, untreated OSA can affect your mood, performance and well-being.

Who’s at Risk?

Anyone can develop sleep apnea -- but you may be at greater risk if you:

• Are over age 40
• Are overweight or have a thick neck
• Have a family history of OSA
• Smoke or use alcohol and sedatives
• Have nasal or airway abnormalities
• Have chronic nasal congestion

Even children and teens can develop sleep apnea, especially if they have enlarged tonsils or obesity.

How LVMC Can Help

At the LVMC Sleep Disorder Center, we offer comprehensive sleep apnea care in a comfortable, accredited setting. You may benefit from:

• Home Sleep Testing (HST): Diagnose your condition from the comfort of home
• In-Lab Sleep Studies: For more detailed analysis in our hotel-like private rooms
• Treatment Options: Lifestyle coaching and Inspire therapy (a mask-free alternative for qualifying patients)

We’ll work with you and your referring provider to get you the answers -- and the relief -- you deserve.

Don’t Sleep on Sleep Apnea

If you think you might have obstructive sleep apnea, don’t wait. Early diagnosis and treatment can restore your energy, protect your health and help you feel like yourself again.

Call 805-737-8700 or visit https://www.lompocvmc.com/locations/sleep-disorder-center/ to schedule a sleep consultation or request a home sleep test today.
Breathe better. Sleep deeper. Live stronger.