What You Should Know About Moderate Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea affects people in varying degrees, and being diagnosed with moderate sleep apnea means you're experiencing a significant number of breathing interruptions each night—usually between 15 and 29 episodes per hour. While not as severe as higher levels, moderate sleep apnea still poses health risks and can interfere with your quality of life if left untreated.
This level of sleep apnea often flies under the radar for years, especially since symptoms like snoring or daytime sleepiness are easy to dismiss. However, moderate sleep apnea can disrupt sleep cycles, reduce oxygen levels in the blood, and increase the risk for long-term complications including high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic issues.
How Moderate Sleep Apnea Is Diagnosed
Diagnosis typically involves an overnight sleep study, either in a lab or using an at-home testing device. During the study, a measurement called the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) is used to determine the severity:
- Mild: 5–14 events per hour
- Moderate: 15–29 events per hour
- Severe: 30 or more events per hour
These events include full pauses in breathing (apneas) or partial reductions (hypopneas) that lower oxygen levels and disrupt sleep architecture.
Common Symptoms of Moderate Sleep Apnea
Many people living with moderate sleep apnea may not realize how much their sleep is being affected. Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Loud, persistent snoring
- Waking up gasping or choking
- Frequent nighttime awakenings
- Morning headaches
- Daytime fatigue or difficulty concentrating
- Mood changes, such as irritability or depression
Because these symptoms often overlap with other conditions, sleep apnea is frequently underdiagnosed. But once identified, it opens the door to a variety of treatment options that can significantly improve health and well-being.
Treatment Options for Moderate Sleep Apnea
When addressing moderate sleep apnea, treatment usually aims to prevent airway obstruction during sleep and improve oxygen levels throughout the night. Several options are available depending on your specific needs, preferences, and health profile.
1. CPAP Therapy
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) remains the most effective treatment for moderate and severe sleep apnea. A CPAP machine delivers a constant stream of air through a mask, keeping the airway open and preventing breathing interruptions. Many users report feeling more alert and rested after just a few nights of use.
2. Oral Appliances
For those who find CPAP machines uncomfortable, oral appliances can be a less invasive alternative. These custom-fit devices reposition the lower jaw and tongue to maintain an open airway. They're often recommended for mild to moderate cases and are typically provided by dentists trained in sleep medicine.
3. Lifestyle Modifications
Moderate sleep apnea can sometimes be improved with specific lifestyle changes, particularly if certain risk factors are present.
- Weight Loss: Extra weight around the neck and upper airway increases the likelihood of obstruction. Losing weight can reduce or even eliminate sleep apnea in some individuals.
- Sleep Position Training: Sleeping on your back can worsen apnea symptoms. Training yourself to sleep on your side may reduce the frequency of events.
- Avoiding Alcohol and Sedatives: These substances relax the muscles that support the airway, making it more prone to collapse during sleep.
4. Surgery and Implanted Devices
If traditional therapies are not effective, surgical options or implantable devices may be considered. Inspire therapy, for example, involves a small device that stimulates airway muscles to keep them open during sleep. Surgical options may include removing excess tissue or adjusting the jaw position to widen the airway.
Why It’s Important to Treat Moderate Sleep Apnea
Even at moderate levels, untreated sleep apnea can have a serious impact on your overall health. Chronic sleep disruption leads to systemic stress on the body, increasing the risk for heart problems, insulin resistance, and cognitive decline. It also affects everyday quality of life—making tasks that require focus, memory, or emotional regulation more difficult.
Addressing moderate sleep apnea early can prevent progression to more severe forms and help restore healthy, restorative sleep. Whether it’s with CPAP, an oral appliance, or lifestyle changes, the key is finding a treatment plan that fits your life and supports long-term wellness.