Sleep Apnea

Sleep Apnea: The Hidden Disorder That’s Wrecking Your Sleep and Health

Do you wake up feeling exhausted—even after a full night’s sleep? Does your partner complain about your loud snoring or gasping sounds during the night? These may be signs of sleep apnea, a common but serious condition that affects your breathing while you sleep.

Sleep apnea doesn’t just interfere with rest—it puts you at risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and even stroke. And because the symptoms can be subtle or mistaken for something else, many people don’t even know they have it.

Board-certified sleep medicine specialist Dr. Michael N. Newton, who serves patients in and around Tampa, Florida, offers expert diagnosis and treatment options to help you reclaim your sleep—and your health.

In this blog, Dr. Newton explains the warning signs of sleep apnea, how it affects your body, and what you can do to get the restful sleep you deserve.

What exactly is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a condition where your breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. The most common type is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which occurs when the muscles in your throat relax too much, blocking the airway.

Less commonly, people may have central sleep apnea, where the brain fails to send the proper signals to the muscles that control breathing, or complex sleep apnea, which is a combination of both.

These repeated breathing interruptions can occur dozens or even hundreds of times per night, preventing your body from getting the deep, restorative sleep it needs.

Common signs and symptoms of sleep apnea

The tricky thing about sleep apnea? Many people don’t realize it’s happening. You may not remember waking up throughout the night, but your body sure does.

Dr. Newton encourages you to watch for these symptoms:

• Loud, chronic snoring

• Gasping or choking during sleep

• Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat

• Morning headaches

• Daytime fatigue or sleepiness

• Difficulty concentrating or memory problems

• Mood swings, irritability, or depression

• Frequent nighttime awakenings or insomnia

If a partner has witnessed you stop breathing during the night, take that seriously—it’s one of the clearest signs of sleep apnea.

Are you at risk for sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea can affect anyone, but certain factors raise your risk:

• Being overweight or obese

• Having a thick neck or narrowed airway

• Being male

• Being over age 40

• Having a family history of sleep apnea

• Smoking or alcohol use

• Nasal congestion or chronic sinus problems

Dr. Newton offers in-depth assessments, including home sleep studies and overnight sleep lab evaluations, to help diagnose the condition accurately.

Why you shouldn’t ignore sleep apnea

Sleep apnea is more than just snoring—it’s a serious medical disorder with long-term health consequences. Without treatment, it increases your risk for:

• High blood pressure

• Heart disease and irregular heart rhythms

• Stroke

• Type 2 diabetes

• Weight gain and metabolic syndrome

• Depression and anxiety

• Accidents due to drowsy driving or lack of focus

The good news? Treatment can dramatically improve your quality of life—and your long-term health.

Treatment options that work

Once diagnosed, Dr. Newton will create a personalized treatment plan based on the severity of your condition and your lifestyle.

Treatment options include:

• Lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, quitting smoking, or adjusting sleep positions

• CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy, the most common and effective treatment

• Oral appliance therapy, custom-fitted devices that keep your airway open

• Surgery, for select patients who don’t respond to other treatments such as Inspire

• Positional therapy to train your body to sleep on your side

Many patients feel a dramatic improvement within days or weeks of starting treatment.

Better sleep starts with better habits

In addition to medical treatments, Dr. Newton recommends the following sleep-friendly habits:

• Stick to a consistent sleep schedule, even on weekends

• Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and heavy meals before bedtime

• Create a relaxing bedtime routine to signal your body it’s time to wind down

• Sleep on your side instead of your back

• Keep your bedroom dark, cool, and quiet for optimal rest

Don’t let sleep apnea steal your energy—or your health.
If you suspect you or a loved one has sleep apnea, take the first step toward better sleep. Early diagnosis and treatment can make all the difference.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Newton, call the office at 813-975-4300 or request an appointment online today.