Over 30 million Americans have sleep apnea — and 80% have no idea. If you snore, feel exhausted during the day, or wake up with headaches, you may be one of them. Learn the signs and take our screening quiz.
Many people live with these symptoms for years without knowing sleep apnea is the cause. Do any of these sound familiar?
Snoring loud enough to disturb a partner — or yourself. Often accompanied by gasping sounds as breathing repeatedly stops and restarts.
Episodes where you abruptly wake gasping for air. Partners often witness you stop breathing entirely for seconds at a time.
Feeling exhausted despite a full night in bed. Falling asleep during routine activities like reading, watching TV, or even driving.
Waking up with dull headaches most mornings. Caused by reduced oxygen levels during sleep, leading to blood vessel changes in the brain.
Chronic sleep deprivation from interrupted breathing leads to short temper, anxiety, and depression that doesn't resolve with rest.
Brain fog, forgetfulness, and trouble focusing throughout the day. Sleep apnea prevents the deep sleep your brain needs to function well.
Many people have sleep apnea without realizing it — symptoms often go unnoticed because they happen during sleep. A bed partner's observations can be the first clue.
While anyone can develop sleep apnea, certain factors significantly increase your chances. The more factors you have, the higher your risk.
Risk increases significantly after 40 and continues rising with age as muscle tone in the throat decreases.
Excess weight — particularly around the neck and throat — narrows the airway, making obstruction more likely during sleep.
A neck measuring more than 16 inches in women or 17 inches in men is associated with higher sleep apnea risk.
Men are 2–3 times more likely to have sleep apnea than women, though women's risk increases after menopause.
Sleep apnea runs in families. If a parent or sibling has it, your risk is significantly elevated.
Hypertension and sleep apnea are closely linked. Each condition can worsen the other in a damaging cycle.
Chronic nasal congestion, deviated septum, or allergies that make it hard to breathe through your nose increase risk.
Smoking inflames the airway and alcohol relaxes throat muscles, both increasing the frequency of apnea episodes.
Sleep apnea isn't just disruptive — it's dangerous. Left untreated, it substantially increases the risk of life-threatening conditions.
Each apnea episode triggers a stress response that spikes blood pressure. Hypertension is found in about half of all sleep apnea patients.
Untreated sleep apnea doubles the risk of heart failure and significantly increases the risk of irregular heart rhythms (atrial fibrillation).
Sleep apnea increases stroke risk 2–4 times. Low oxygen and blood pressure swings during sleep damage blood vessels over time.
Sleep apnea disrupts glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity, contributing to the development and worsening of Type 2 diabetes.
Chronic sleep deprivation from apnea causes mood disorders that can be difficult to treat without first addressing the sleep problem.
People with untreated sleep apnea are up to 7 times more likely to be involved in motor vehicle accidents due to excessive daytime sleepiness.
CPAP therapy effectively treats sleep apnea and substantially reduces all of these risks. Getting diagnosed and treated is one of the most important steps you can take for your long-term health.
8 questions, under 2 minutes. Find out your risk level instantly — with results and personalized next steps.
Answer 8 quick yes/no questions. This assessment is based on the STOP-BANG questionnaire — the most widely used clinical screening tool for obstructive sleep apnea. Takes under 2 minutes.
Your results are ready. Enter your email to get your personalized Sleep Apnea Guide — plus tips on talking to your doctor and what to expect from a sleep study.
Answers to the most common questions about sleep apnea, diagnosis, and treatment.
Specialty Medical Equipment delivers CPAP machines and supplies to Medicare patients nationwide. We handle all the paperwork and billing.
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*Qualifying Medicare and supplemental coverage may result in zero or minimal out-of-pocket cost. Coverage and costs vary by plan. "At little or no out-of-pocket cost" refers to Medicare-covered CPAP equipment and supplies when eligibility criteria are met.
Medicare Coverage Disclaimer: CPAP equipment and supplies may be covered by Medicare Part B at little or no out-of-pocket cost* to qualifying patients. Coverage requires a diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea confirmed by a qualifying sleep study and a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. Coverage and patient cost-sharing vary by plan, supplemental coverage, and deductible status. *"At little or no out-of-pocket cost" is not a guarantee of $0 cost. Contact us to verify your specific coverage: 877-622-3023. This page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment decisions.