Obstructive sleep apnea in adults: Symptoms, causes & solutions

January 20, 2026

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is one of the most common sleep disorders in American adults, yet it is critically underdiagnosed, with nearly 80% of cases going undetected. Sleep apnea does more than prevent you from getting a good night's sleep. It is a complex condition that can stem from several different risk factors, and its effects are far-reaching and long-lasting.

What is sleep apnea?

“Sleep apnea encapsulates a group of conditions that result in abnormal breathing at night,” explains neurologist and sleep expert Dr. Guy Leschziner. “When we talk about sleep apnea, we’re usually referring to obstructive sleep apnea, which refers to a mechanical disruption of the upper airway in sleep.”

During sleep, particularly REM sleep, when “most of the muscles in our bodies are paralyzed,” as Leschziner notes, the airway can become floppy and narrow. This results in partial blockages (hypopneas) or complete blockages (apneas), which lower oxygen levels and repeatedly wake the brain. Globally, between 9% and 38% of adults are affected, with prevalence highest in men and older adults.

How is it caused?

Sleep apnea comes in two forms, obstructive and central. “Central sleep apnea (OSA), which is much rarer, occurs when the mechanisms that the brain utilises in order to maintain breathing don't work properly. That can be a result of neurological or cardiological issues, but it's much, much rarer. When we talk about sleep apnea, it is predominantly obstructive sleep apnea that we have in mind.” Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) accounts for nearly 100% of cases and is the result of a physical obstruction of the airway. So, what can cause these obstructions?

Obesity

Obesity is the biggest risk factor when it comes to OSA. More than 2 in 5 American adults are obese, and the physical changes excess weight makes to your body are a huge contributor to sleep apnea. According to Leschziner, fat stored around the neck and throat can narrow your airway, and the gravity of excess fat can weigh down your chest at night.

Genetics

“The shape of our airway is often influenced by our genes,” Leschziner explains. Family history increases risk even in the absence of obesity. So, even lean patients can suffer from OSA. Leschziner notes that “individuals who have a small lower jaw, their airways are often more narrow to start off with,” meaning that patients with naturally larger tongues and tonsils are also more predisposed to suffer from OSA.

Sex & age

Age and sex are also factors to consider when looking at OSA. In fact, men are two to three times more likely to develop sleep apnea than women. Studies also suggest that OSA may be present in up to 90% of men and 78% of women over the age of 70.

Wondering if sleep apnea is affecting you? Take a few seconds to check out the Dumbo Health Sleep Quiz, and with a few simple questions, you can begin your treatment journey today.

What are the symptoms?

Knowing how to identify the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea is the first step to receiving a diagnosis and beginning treatment. OSA is a complex condition with many different causes and symptoms. Patients may not have all of the symptoms or sleep apnea, and some symptoms can be easily mistaken for other, less serious conditions. That’s why it's crucial to be informed. So, what are the most common symptoms of OSA?

Snoring

Loud, persistent snoring is the most common symptom of OSA, and the most overlooked. We all know someone who is a comically loud snorer, but did you ever stop to wonder if it was a sign of a health issue? Snoring punctuated by choking or gasping for air is another sure-fire way to identify OSA.

Apnea

Apnea, or the cessation of breathing, is the key factor in diagnosing OSA. Unfortunately, it can also be the most difficult to notice. Patients suffering from OSA may not realize they aren’t breathing throughout the night, and according to Dr. Leschziner, the most common case is for a sleep partner to notice you aren't breathing.

Hypersomnia

More commonly known as daytime drowsiness, hypersomnia is another symptom that might not raise a red flag right away. If you find yourself chronically tired during the day with no obvious source, sleep apnea may be to blame. This symptom is also more than a nuisance, as patients with OSA are more than 2 times more likely to be involved in a traffic accident due to fatigue.

Nocturia

Frequent nighttime urination, known as nocturia, is another unexpected symptom of sleep apnea. Leschziner explains that OSA “influences how much urine your kidneys produce at night,” which is why many patients wake multiple times to use the bathroom.

Wondering if sleep apnea is affecting you? Take a few seconds to check out the Dumbo Health Sleep Quiz, and with a few simple questions, you can begin your treatment journey today.

Is there a cure?

According to Leschziner, obesity caused OSA is the only form that may be curable. “There are some individuals in whom it is reversible. We know that weight loss has a significant impact on sleep apnea and is really the only possible cure for most people. There are some individuals who have a very clear structural abnormality, like a very small lower jaw or some other anatomical abnormality of the airway that can be surgically treated. For the most part, it is a condition that is treatable, but not necessarily curable.”

However, if you suspect that your sleep apnea may be caused by another source, don’t worry. OSA is treatable in a variety of ways that can help relieve symptoms and also mitigate the long-term health effects of sleep apnea.

Wondering if sleep apnea is affecting you? Take a few seconds to check out the Dumbo Health Sleep Quiz, and with a few simple questions, you can begin your treatment journey today.

Frequently Asked Questions

How common is central sleep apnea compared to obstructive sleep apnea?

Central sleep apnea (CSA) is quite rare compared to OSA. In a large community study of over 5,000 participants, only about 1% had CSA while nearly half had OSA. Most people diagnosed with “sleep apnea” actually have the obstructive form.

Can you have sleep apnea without snoring?

Yes. While loud snoring is common, some people, especially women or those with mild OSA, may not snore. In these cases, symptoms like morning headaches, frequent nighttime urination, or unexplained daytime fatigue may be the main clues.

Is sleep apnea dangerous if left untreated?

Yes. Untreated OSA is linked to a significantly higher risk of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and cardiovascular disease. It can also lead to memory problems, mood disorders, and reduced life expectancy.

Can children get obstructive sleep apnea?

Yes, though the causes often differ from adults. Enlarged tonsils and adenoids are the most common reason children develop OSA. Treatment may involve surgery (adenotonsillectomy) or CPAP in persistent cases.

Will losing weight always fix sleep apnea?

Weight loss can significantly reduce OSA severity, but it may not completely resolve it, especially if airway anatomy, age, or genetics are major factors. Many people still benefit from CPAP or oral devices even after weight loss.

Wondering if sleep apnea is affecting you? Take a few seconds to check out the Dumbo Health Sleep Quiz, and with a few simple questions, you can begin your treatment journey today.

AI summary

Obstructive sleep apnea is common but underdiagnosed, mainly from airway collapse linked to obesity, anatomy, age; central apnea is rare. Signs include loud snoring, witnessed pauses, daytime sleepiness, and nocturia, and untreated OSA raises cardiometabolic risk; weight loss may cure some, while CPAP or oral devices effectively treat most.