Sleep Apnea - Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment
Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder marked by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. These pauses may last several seconds and can occur many times per hour, preventing the body from reaching deep, restorative sleep.
When left untreated, this condition can seriously affect overall health and increase the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and chronic fatigue. Early detection and proper diagnosis are essential for improving sleep quality and long-term well-being.
Our clinic provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment for patients in Montreal, LaSalle, Lachine, Verdun, Ville-Émard, Pointe-Saint-Charles, and Côte-Saint-Luc.
What is Sleep Apnea?
This disorder occurs when airflow stops or becomes shallow repeatedly during sleep. The most common form is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), caused by a collapse or blockage of the airway. Other forms include Central Sleep Apnea, where the brain does not send proper signals to control breathing, and Complex Sleep Apnea, which combines both types.
Common causes
Common causes and contributing factors include:
- Excess weight
- Narrow airway structure
- Family history
- Smoking or alcohol use
- Nasal congestion
- Age and gender
Many people are unaware they have this condition because breathing interruptions happen during sleep. It is often only identified when symptoms worsen or when a partner observes abnormal breathing patterns.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms may vary from one person to another, but often include:
- Loud, persistent snoring
- Breathing pauses or gasping during sleep
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Morning headaches
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability or mood changes
- Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking
- Frequent urination
- Sexual dysfunction
These symptoms can interfere with daily activities, work performance, and overall quality of life.
Learn more about the warning signs on our dedicated page:
How to Recognize the Condition
Early recognition is essential. If you or a family member notices repeated breathing pauses, choking sounds at night, or ongoing fatigue despite adequate sleep, a medical evaluation is strongly recommended.
You should consider testing if you experience:
- Daytime drowsiness that affects daily activities
- High blood pressure without a clear cause
- Snoring combined with breathing interruptions
- Memory or concentration difficulties
Learn more here:
Tests & Diagnosis
Accurate diagnosis requires objective testing to measure breathing patterns, oxygen levels, and sleep stages.
Common diagnostic methods include:
- At home overnight testing
- In Lab overnight testing
Testing may be performed in a specialized sleep laboratory or, in some cases, at home depending on individual needs and medical history.
A proper diagnosis allows clinicians to determine severity and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan.
Learn more about available options:
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on severity and underlying causes. The main goals are to restore normal breathing during sleep and reduce long-term health risks.
Treatment approaches may include:
- Lifestyle modifications (weight management, sleep position, smoking cessation)
- Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy
- Oral appliances
- Alternative therapies when appropriate
CPAP therapy remains the most effective and widely used solution for moderate to severe cases.
Learn more about treatment solutions:
CPAP Devices and Equipment
CPAP devices deliver steady air pressure through a mask to keep the airway open throughout the night. Modern equipment is designed for comfort, quiet operation, and long-term use.
At our clinic, CPAP equipment is:
- Professionally fitted and adjusted
- Supported with long-term follow-up
- Customized to each patient’s needs
We also offer a wide range of masks and accessories to improve comfort and therapy compliance.
Explore available equipment:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
It is most often caused by airway obstruction during sleep. Risk factors include obesity, anatomical features, and lifestyle habits.
Yes. Without treatment, it can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and accidents related to fatigue.
Diagnosis is based on sleep testing and medical evaluation by a qualified specialist.
Yes. Effective treatments are available, including CPAP therapy and other options depending on severity.
If you experience persistent snoring, fatigue, or breathing interruptions at night, a consultation is recommended.
Regions We Serve
We provide evaluation and treatment services for patients in:
- Montreal
- LaSalle
- Lachine
- Verdun
- Ville-Émard
- Pointe-Saint-Charles
- Côte-Saint-Luc
- Roxboro
- DDO
- Dorval
Learn more about local services:
Book an Appointment
If you suspect a sleep-related breathing disorder or want to improve your sleep quality, our clinic offers professional assessment, testing, and long-term care.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment and begin your personalized treatment plan.