Dr. Aparna Bhat, a sleep medicine specialist at the Cleveland Clinic, has released a guide detailing the causes and risks of sleep apnea.

Addressing the condition is critical because untreated sleep apnea can lead to severe long-term health complications and systemic strain on the body. The disorder disrupts normal breathing during sleep, which often leads to fragmented rest and decreased oxygen levels.

According to Bhat, approximately 1 billion people worldwide live with sleep apnea [1]. The condition occurs when the airway becomes blocked or the brain fails to signal the muscles to keep the airway open, a process that leads to repeated pauses in breathing.

Bhat said that recognizing the symptoms is the first step toward management. Common indicators include loud snoring, waking up gasping for air, and excessive daytime sleepiness. These symptoms often go unnoticed by the sleeper, meaning partners or family members are frequently the first to identify the problem.

Beyond fatigue, Bhat said that the risks associated with the disorder are significant. The repeated drops in blood oxygen levels can put pressure on the cardiovascular system. This increase in stress on the heart and blood vessels may contribute to more serious medical emergencies if the condition remains unaddressed.

Treatment options vary based on the type of apnea a patient has. Solutions can range from lifestyle changes, the use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines, and surgical interventions. Bhat said that a proper diagnosis from a medical professional is necessary to determine which solution is appropriate for an individual's specific anatomy and health history.

By providing this information through a podcast format, the Cleveland Clinic aims to increase public awareness and encourage those with symptoms to seek medical screenings.

“Approximately 1 billion people worldwide live with sleep apnea.”

The scale of sleep apnea—affecting a significant portion of the global population—suggests a widespread public health challenge that often remains underdiagnosed. Because the condition is linked to cardiovascular stress, increasing public literacy on its symptoms can reduce the long-term burden on healthcare systems by preventing secondary heart-related complications.