What Is Sleep Apnea? Symptoms and How to Detect It Early
Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition where the airway temporarily collapses during sleep, causing breathing to stop for seconds to minutes. Each apnea drops SpO₂ and forces the brain to partially wake — disrupting deep sleep in ways the person rarely remembers. Left untreated, sleep apnea significantly raises the risk of hypertension, stroke, and heart disease.
Reference ranges
* Reference values only. Consult a doctor for personalized advice.
Common symptoms of sleep apnea
Loud snoring (especially interrupted snoring that sounds like choking); waking up exhausted despite sleeping enough hours; daytime sleepiness even after 7–8 hours in bed; morning headaches; difficulty concentrating and forgetfulness; bed partner observing you stop breathing then gasp. Many people don't know they have sleep apnea because symptoms occur while asleep.
Who is at higher risk for sleep apnea?
Men over 40 have the highest risk, but post-menopausal women also face significantly increased risk. Being overweight or obese (especially with neck fat) is the largest risk factor. Small jaw structure, enlarged tonsils, or a narrow throat also increase risk. People with a family history of sleep apnea, high blood pressure, or type 2 diabetes are also in high-risk groups.
Overnight SpO₂ monitoring — the first step to early detection
While formal diagnostic tools (polysomnography) require a medical sleep lab, overnight home SpO₂ monitoring is a valuable first screening step. If your SpO₂ drops below 94% repeatedly during the night, this is a signal to consult a doctor about sleep apnea diagnosis. H-Core monitors SpO₂ continuously overnight and stores history for you to review and share with your doctor.
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