Sleep & Recovery · Sleep disorders

Sleep apnea: why one in five is affected – and doesn't know it

3 min read 2026-06-11 YUTHI Redaktion

Breathing pauses during sleep are among the most common – and most commonly overlooked – sleep disorders. What studies show about prevalence, which signs are typical and how an assessment works.

What happens during sleep apnea

In the most common form, obstructive sleep apnea, the muscles in the throat relax so much during sleep that the airways repeatedly collapse. Breathing stops for ten seconds or longer – often dozens of times per hour, without you consciously noticing.

Each pause triggers a brief arousal so that breathing restarts. The result: sleep is constantly interrupted and loses its restorative depth. This is measured with the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), which counts how many breathing pauses and reductions occur per hour.

Why so many people don't know

A large population study from Lausanne (HypnoLaus) examined more than 2000 adults in the sleep laboratory: almost half of the men and around a quarter of the women of middle and older age showed at least moderate nocturnal breathing disturbances – the vast majority undiagnosed (Heinzer et al., 2015). Globally, one analysis estimates nearly one billion people affected (Benjafield et al., 2019).

The reason for the hidden numbers is simple: those affected are asleep while it happens. Clues often come from the partner – loud, irregular snoring and observed breathing pauses. During the day, the signs are more indirect: pronounced tiredness despite enough hours in bed, dozing off in quiet moments, morning headaches or trouble concentrating.

What studies show about the consequences

In long-term observations, untreated severe sleep apnea is associated with an increased risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular events (Marin et al., 2005). The constant arousals and oxygen drops mean stress for the body – night after night.

Daytime sleepiness itself also matters: those who are chronically sleep-deprived react more slowly and with less focus – on the road as well as at work. Studies therefore also link untreated sleep apnea to a higher risk of accidents.

How an assessment works

The first step is straightforward: validated questionnaires give an initial estimate of whether there is an increased risk – based on snoring, observed pauses, blood pressure and daytime tiredness.

If there is a suspicion, a sleep measurement follows: either at home with a small device (polygraphy) or in the sleep laboratory with comprehensive monitoring (polysomnography). Both require a medical referral – your family doctor is the first point of contact.

Treatment options at a glance

According to studies, the most effective standard for moderate to severe sleep apnea is CPAP therapy: a mask keeps the airways open with gentle positive pressure, making the pauses disappear. For milder forms, individually fitted mandibular advancement devices are also used. Studies additionally link weight reduction and sleeping on your side with fewer breathing pauses.

This content is general, evidence-based information and does not replace medical advice. If you notice signs in yourself or your partner, get the situation medically assessed – sleep apnea is well diagnosable and treatable.

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