Sleep Apnea – Symptoms and Causes

At Family Health Care, we recognize that quality sleep is crucial for your overall health. Sleep apnea is a widespread sleep disorder affecting both adults and children, marked by repeated breathing interruptions during sleep. These pauses, known as apneas, can range from a few seconds to over a minute and may occur multiple times throughout the night.

There are three main types of sleep apnea:
• Obstructive sleep apnea, the most common form, occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat relax and block the airway.
• Central sleep apnea happens when the brain doesn’t send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing.
• Complex or mixed sleep apnea is a combination of the two types above.

Family members may notice symptoms such as loud snoring, choking or gasping during sleep, episodes where breathing stops, morning headaches, excessive sleepiness during the day, trouble concentrating, and increased irritability. If left untreated, sleep apnea can raise your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and other serious health concerns.

At Family Health Care, our providers take a comprehensive approach to diagnosing sleep apnea. We start with a detailed medical history and review of your symptoms. Our team may ask about your sleep habits and any observed episodes of stopped breathing or choking during sleep, which family members often notice. If sleep apnea is suspected, we can coordinate further evaluation, such as a sleep study (polysomnography) performed in a sleep center or a convenient home sleep apnea test, depending on your individual needs.

The results of these tests help us determine the type and severity of sleep apnea so we can create a personalized treatment plan for you or your loved one. Our goal is to help every member of your family achieve better sleep and improved overall health.

One of the most noticeable signs of sleep apnea is loud, persistent snoring—often first recognized by a spouse or family member. Other symptoms include episodes during sleep when breathing stops and restarts, sometimes with choking or gasping sounds. These interruptions can lead to poor sleep quality, even if you don’t fully wake up each time.

If you or a loved one frequently feels excessively tired during the day, has trouble concentrating, experiences headaches in the morning, or wakes up with a dry mouth or sore throat, sleep apnea could be the cause. Mood changes such as irritability, depression, or anxiety are also common in those struggling with this condition.

At Family Health Care, our team is dedicated to helping you and your family achieve the best possible health. If you suspect that you or someone in your household may have sleep apnea, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with us. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential, as untreated sleep apnea can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and other serious health issues.

Sleep apnea is a common but serious disorder that causes repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. These interruptions can lead to poor sleep quality, frequent awakenings, and excessive daytime tiredness—which can affect your ability to focus at work or school and participate fully in family life.

Sleep apnea does more than just cause fatigue. If left untreated, it can increase your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke, as the body repeatedly experiences drops in oxygen levels during the night. These frequent disturbances place extra stress on the heart and blood vessels, potentially leading to long-term health concerns.

This condition can also impact your metabolic health. Sleep apnea has been linked to a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes and can contribute to weight gain by disrupting hormones that regulate appetite and glucose metabolism. Additionally, chronic sleep deprivation from sleep apnea may lead to mood changes, including depression and anxiety, which can affect your relationships and quality of life.

If you or a loved one experiences symptoms of sleep apnea, we encourage you to speak with one of our healthcare providers. Through careful evaluation, diagnosis, and a personalized treatment plan, we can help you manage sleep apnea—improving your sleep, your health, and your overall quality of life.

Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. There are three main types:

• Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): The most common type, OSA occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat relax too much, causing the airway to become blocked. This can lead to loud snoring, choking, and brief awakenings throughout the night—even if you don’t remember them.

• Central Sleep Apnea: This form is less common and happens when the brain doesn’t send the right signals to the muscles that control breathing. There is no physical blockage, but breathing still stops or becomes very shallow.

• Complex (or Mixed) Sleep Apnea Syndrome: Some individuals have both obstructive and central sleep apnea, especially if they continue to have symptoms even while using CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) therapy.

Sleep apnea is more than just snoring—it can affect daytime alertness, mood, and increase the risk of health problems like high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and learning or behavioral issues in children. Family members may notice symptoms such as loud snoring, gasping for air during sleep, or excessive tiredness during the day.

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea, our providers can help. We offer comprehensive evaluations and can coordinate sleep studies if necessary. Once diagnosed, we work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan, which may include lifestyle changes, CPAP therapy, or referrals to specialists as needed.

Struggling with persistent fatigue or heavy snoring? At Family Health Care in Shoreline, Dr. Dinh Tran, MD, focuses on a patient-centered approach to sleep apnea, addressing not just the symptoms but the underlying factors contributing to the condition. Understanding that sleep health is a cornerstone of overall wellness, Dr. Tran works closely with you to uncover why your rest is being interrupted.

Whether your condition is linked to weight, airway structure, or underlying health issues, our clinic offers a bridge to better breathing. Dr. Tran integrates advanced diagnostic insights with proactive management, such as targeted weight loss programs and chronic care coordination, to reduce the severity of apnea. By choosing Family Health Care, you aren’t just getting a prescription; you’re gaining a dedicated medical partner committed to restoring your vitality and protecting your long-term heart health through better sleep.

If you suspect that you or a family member may have sleep apnea, don’t wait. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve quality of life and prevent serious health complications. Contact Family Health Care today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced providers. We are conveniently located at 1507 NE 150th St, Suite A, Shoreline, WA 98155. We serve patients from Shoreline WA, Seattle WA, Edmonds WA, Woodinville WA, Bothell WA, Lynnwood WA, Kirkland WA, Bellevue WA, and surrounding areas.