Disclaimer: The information below is provided for general educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding diagnosis or treatment of sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. These pauses in breathing can last 10–30 seconds and occur many times per night, disrupting normal rest and oxygen flow.
More than five million Canadian adults are estimated to have sleep apnea or be at high risk of developing it. It is more common among men, people over age 40, and those who are overweight, but it can affect anyone, at any age.
Untreated sleep apnea can cause daytime fatigue, concentration problems, irritability, and reduced quality of life. Effective treatment often improves energy levels, mood, and overall health.
There are two main types of sleep apnea:
Risk factors include excess weight, family history, smoking, alcohol use, and certain medical conditions.
Diagnosis requires a sleep study, conducted either in a sleep clinic or at home using specialized monitoring equipment. A healthcare professional interprets the results to determine the type and severity of apnea and recommend treatment.
Many people manage sleep apnea successfully with lifestyle changes, medical devices, or in rare cases, surgery.
Helpful steps may include:
The most common treatment is Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy, which keeps the airway open by gently pressurizing inhaled air through a mask. Other treatments include dental devices or, in select cases, surgical procedures.
Without treatment, sleep apnea increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and accidents due to drowsiness. Consistent therapy can greatly reduce these risks.
Source: Canadian Sleep Society, Public Health Agency of Canada, and the Mayo Clinic (adapted for educational use).
ZeroApnea.org is a volunteer-run, community-led initiative currently in the process of formal registration. We provide educational resources and connect donated CPAP equipment to patients who cannot afford therapy.
