Things to Know When You Are Diagnosed With Sleep Apnea, With John Cronin, M.D.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common but often overlooked sleep disorder affecting millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the muscles of the upper airway relax too much during sleep, causing a temporary blockage that disrupts breathing. These repeated "mini suffocation" events lead to frequent arousals, preventing deep, restorative sleep.

In an interview with The Educated Patient, John Cronin, M.D., senior vice president of Clinical Development at Apnimed, explains that many patients with OSA wake up feeling unrefreshed, experience daytime fatigue and may even struggle with concentration or unintentional dozing.

Left untreated, OSA increases the risk of serious health issues, such as high blood pressure, heart disease and cognitive decline. Despite these risks, many people are unaware they have OSA because they don’t fully perceive sleep disruptions in real time. Recognizing symptoms — including snoring and morning headaches — is critical for seeking proper diagnosis and treatment.

Cronin says that while OSA has traditionally been associated with older men and people with obesity, it can affect people of all ages, genders and body types. Unfortunately, misdiagnoses are common, as many patients do not fit the stereotypical profile.

Treatment options for OSA have evolved beyond the widely known continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. While CPAP remains a highly effective standard of care, newer treatments, such as weight management strategies, potential medications and alternative airway devices, are expanding options for those who struggle with traditional therapies. Cronin explains that addressing OSA not only improves sleep quality but can also enhance daily functioning as well as long-term health outcomes.

Ultimately, there is no reason to ignore or tolerate untreated sleep apnea. Self-advocacy is crucial — patients should ask their providers about OSA if they experience persistent fatigue or poor sleep quality. Early diagnosis and treatment can lead to life-changing improvements in energy levels, cognitive function, and overall health.

4 Things to Know If You Have OSA:

• OSA is common. It affects nearly 50 million people in the U.S. and around 1 billion worldwide.
• Symptoms aren’t always obvious. Many people don’t realize they have disrupted sleep. Signs include snoring, daytime sleepiness and difficulty concentrating.
• Anyone can have it. OSA affects people of all ages, genders and body types.
• Treatment improves life. Better sleep can enhance mood, cognitive function, work performance and overall health.