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How do I know if I have sleep apnea? The warning signs

Medically reviewed by Leigh Ann Anderson, PharmD. Last updated on May 15, 2025.

Official Answer by Drugs.com

There are multiple warning signs and symptoms of sleep apnea, which may occur during sleep and in the daytime. During sleep, the following warnings signs of obstructive sleep apnea may occur and may first be noticed by your sleep partner:

Daytime warnings signs can include:

Other warning signs may include: erectile dysfunction, loss of sex drive, and depression. People with OSA often have high blood pressure, as well.

If you experience any of these signs or symptoms, it is important to contact your healthcare provider for further evaluation.

What are the types of sleep apnea?

There are 2 main types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central sleep apnea.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a serious breathing disorder characterized by complete or partial collapses of the upper airway during sleep. This can lead to pauses in breathing and shallow breathing, waking from sleep and a potential decrease in blood oxygen saturation. Snoring, fatigue and excessive daytime sleepiness can be key symptoms and may occur in patients with obesity.

Central sleep apnea occurs when the area of the brain that controls breathing, called the brain stem, is damaged by an infection or stroke. Other causes include medical conditions such as heart failure, being older than 40, or use of opioids.

How is sleep apnea diagnosed?

Sleep studies performed at home (the type most commonly used today) or a sleep study (polysomnogram) in a sleep center is used to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea.

Your healthcare provider may also use a questionnaire called the STOP-BANG questionnaire to assess your symptoms, like snoring, daytime fatigue, high blood pressure or breathing pauses during sleep.

What are the risk factors for sleep apnea?

How do you treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)?

CPAP

There are several treatments for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The first-line treatment is typically the use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP).

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MADs

A dental mandibular advancement device (MADs) may be used as an alternative for people who cannot tolerate CPAP or who have mild-to-moderate OSA.

Prescription Zepbound (tirzepatide)

Lifestyle changes like losing weight can significantly improve OSA. Being overweight or obese is a major risk factor for having OSA. Losing weight can lessen the amount of tissue around the airways and dramatically improve airflow and oxygen delivery.

In December 2024, Eli Lilly’s Zepbound (tirzepatide) was approved by the FDA for treatment of moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults with obesity. It is the only prescription medicine for this indication. In addition to improved sleep apnea, patients also lost about 50 lbs on average during treatment.

Approval for OSA was based on the SURMOUNT-OSA Phase 3 studies. Zepbound was evaluated for the treatment of OSA in adults with obesity, with and without positive airway pressure (PAP) like CPAP therapy over one year.

Common side effects with Zepbound include stomach-related issues like nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, belching, heartburn and indigestion. Injection site reactions, fatigue, allergies to the medicine, and hair loss were also reported. These are not all the possible side effects of Zepbound.

Learn more: How does Zepbound help treat sleep apnea?

Surgery

Surgery is usually a last-line therapy when other treatments are not successful. Surgery may involve removing excessive tissue in the back of the throat to open the airway for improved breathing. Nasal, tongue and palatal (the roof of the mouth) surgeries can be performed.

Inspire Implantable Device

Another surgical option for moderate-to-severe sleep apnea is an FDA-approved device called Inspire. The device is implanted during a minimally-invasive outpatient surgery and most patients go home the same day. Most insurance companies will cover the cost of Inspire for eligible patients.

This device stimulates the hypoglossal nerve, a cranial nerve which helps to control the muscles of the tongue. Inspire works by monitoring your breathing and stimulates your nerves around the tongue when needed to prevent your airway from collapsing. The device battery lasts about 10 years and can be replaced during a brief outpatient procedure.

Bottom Line

This is not all the information you need to know about obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and does not take the place of your doctor’s directions. Discuss any medical questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.

References
  • Veasey SC, Rosen IM. Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Adults. N Engl J Med. 2019 Apr 11;380(15):1442-1449. doi: 10.1056/NEJMcp1816152
  • Orr JE, Malhotra A, Gruenberg E, et al. Pathogenesis of sleep-disordered breathing in the setting of opioid use: a multiple mediation analysis using physiology, Sleep, Volume 47, Issue 11, November 2024 https://doi.org/10.1093/sleep/zsae090
  • Pivetta B, Chen L, Nagappa M, et al. Use and Performance of the STOP-Bang Questionnaire for Obstructive Sleep Apnea Screening Across Geographic Regions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. JAMA Netw Open. 2021 Mar 1;4(3):e211009. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.1009
  • Jordan AS, McSharry DG, Malhotra A. Adult obstructive sleep apnoea. Lancet. 2014 Feb 22;383(9918):736-47. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(13)60734-5
  • Strohl K (author). Patient education: Sleep apnea in adults (Beyond the Basics). Updated June 2024. Accessed May 15, 2025 at https://www.uptodate.com/contents/sleep-apnea-in-adults-beyond-the-basics
  • Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Adults: Screening. US Preventative Services Task Force. Nov. 15, 2022. Accessed May 15, 2025 at https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/obstructive-sleep-apnea-in-adults-screening
  • Patel SR. Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Ann Intern Med. 2019 Dec 3;171(11):ITC81-ITC96. doi: 10.7326/AITC201912030
  • Inspire. Accessed May 15, 2025 at https://www.inspiresleep.com/en-us/

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