What Causes Sleep Apnea?

Tired of waking up gasping for air or feeling exhausted after a full night’s sleep? You could be suffering from sleep apnea—a serious sleep disorder that affects breathing and overall health. Sleep apnea doesn’t just disrupt rest—it’s linked to heart disease, high blood pressure, and other long-term health conditions.

Learn about what causes sleep apnea, the different types, and how BASS Medical Group can help you find relief.

Types of Sleep Apnea and What Causes Them

There are two primary types of sleep apnea—Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Central Sleep Apnea (CSA). Some people may experience Complex Sleep Apnea, a combination of both.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

OSA is the most common type of sleep apnea, responsible for about 90% of all adult cases. It happens when throat muscles or excess tissue block your airway during sleep.

Common Causes of OSA:

• Obesity – Over half of people with OSA are overweight, which increases pressure on the airway.
• Thick neck or narrow airway – Naturally small airways or extra soft tissue can increase blockage risk.
• Age and gender – Men and people over 40 are more prone to OSA, though postmenopausal women are also at risk.
• Family history – Genetics may influence throat structure or muscle tone.
• Alcohol and smoking – These relax airway muscles and increase inflammation.
• Nasal problems – Congestion or a deviated septum can make nighttime breathing difficult.
• Medical conditions – Diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease raise your risk of OSA.

Central Sleep Apnea (CSA)

CSA occurs when your brain doesn’t send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing.

Common Causes of CSA:

• Heart failure – Cardiovascular conditions can interfere with the brain’s breathing regulation.
• Opioid medications – Pain medications like fentanyl or morphine may suppress breathing signals.
• Neurological issues – Stroke, brain infections, or degenerative disorders may disrupt respiratory function.

How Do You Know If You Have Sleep Apnea?

Common signs and symptoms include:

• Loud, persistent snoring
• Episodes of stopped breathing during sleep (often noticed by others)
• Waking up gasping or choking
• Morning headaches
• Excessive daytime fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating
• Irritability or mood changes

If you notice these symptoms, schedule a consultation with a sleep medicine specialist for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea

Treatment depends on the type and severity of your sleep apnea. At BASS Medical Group, our team will work with you to personalize your care plan.

For Obstructive Sleep Apnea:

• Lifestyle changes – Weight loss, quitting smoking, and sleeping on your side
• CPAP therapy – Continuous Positive Airway Pressure devices keep your airway open while you sleep
• Oral appliances – Dental devices that reposition your jaw or tongue
• Surgery – For severe cases, procedures like UPPP or jaw repositioning may be recommended

For Central Sleep Apnea:

• Addressing underlying conditions – Treating heart disease or neurological disorders may relieve symptoms
• Supplemental oxygen therapy – Helps support steady breathing overnight
• Medication adjustments – Reducing opioids or other medications that impact respiratory function

Why Choose BASS Medical Group?

At BASS Medical Group, we don’t just treat your sleep symptoms—we focus on long-term health. Our sleep medicine specialists, ENT doctors, and pulmonologists provide full evaluations, in-lab or home sleep studies, and ongoing treatment support.

Don’t Let Sleep Apnea Go Untreated

Left unmanaged, sleep apnea can increase your risk of serious conditions like heart attack, stroke, and high blood pressure. Let the experts at BASS Medical Group help you reclaim your rest and improve your quality of life.

Schedule an appointment today with our sleep medicine team in Walnut Creek or across the Bay Area »