Overview
The throat relaxes and blocks air during sleep, so oxygen drops and you wake briefly many times.
Many people don't know they have it until a partner notices.
Symptoms
Common signs:
- Loud snoring, gasping, or waking up tired
- Morning headaches
- Headache when waking up
- Snoring or stopping breathing in sleep
Less common
- Daytime sleepiness
- Dry mouth on waking
Look up a symptom: Fatigue · Headache · Trouble sleeping
When to get medical care
Causes
A narrow or relaxed airway.
Does it spread or run in families?
- It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.
Who is more likely to get it
- Overweight
- Large neck
- Men
- Older age
Possible complications
Diagnosis
A sleep study confirms it.
Questions you may be asked
- Snoring, gasping, sleepiness
The exam
Neck, mouth, and blood pressure check.
Tests
Tests, if needed:
- Sleep study: At home or in a lab.
Treatment
Treatment opens the airway.
Self-care
- Lose extra weight
- Sleep on your side
- Avoid alcohol and sleeping pills at night
CPAP, mouth devices, nerve stimulators, or surgery. Some weight-loss medicines also help.
Prevention
To lower risk:
- Healthy weight
Which doctor treats this
- Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
- They may send you to a neurologist (brain and nerve doctor).
Living with it
- Use your CPAP every night.
- Avoid alcohol before bed.
- Long-term illness can affect mood. Tell your doctor if you feel down or anxious.
Support groups and helplines
- Sleep Foundation of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (sleepeducation.org): Sleep center finder and patient guides.
Back to school, work, or sports
- Most people can keep working or going to school.
- Ask about changes that help, like extra breaks or a flexible schedule. Workers may be covered by the ADA. Students may get a 504 plan.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
- Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
- Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
- Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.
For caregivers
- Go to visits when you can and take notes.
- Keep a list of medicines, allergies, and doctors in one place.
- Learn the warning signs that need fast care.
- Take breaks and ask for help. Caregivers need care too.
Outlook
Treatment improves sleep and energy.
Getting ready for your visit
Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.
What to bring
- Partner's notes on snoring
Questions to ask
- Do I need a sleep study?
Research studies
Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.
Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Morning headaches from poor sleep or sleep apnea
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-12.