Do You Stop Breathing in Your Sleep? When to Get Tested in Calgary

Do You Stop Breathing in Your Sleep? When to Get Tested in Calgary

Most people assume sleep is a peaceful, steady process. But for many Calgarians, nighttime breathing is anything but stable. Pauses in breathing, whether they last a few seconds or are repeated dozens of times per hour, are often a sign of sleep apnea, a common but underdiagnosed sleep disorder that can quietly harm your health.

If you’ve ever been told you stop breathing while sleeping, or you wake up gasping, choking, or feeling unrefreshed despite a full night in bed, it may be time to consider a sleep apnea test in Calgary. Early testing is one of the most important steps in preventing long-term complications and restoring better sleep.

This guide explains why people stop breathing during sleep, the warning signs to watch for, and when you should get tested in Calgary.


Why Do People Stop Breathing During Sleep?

Pauses in breathing usually occur due to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the most common sleep-related breathing disorder. In OSA, the airway collapses or becomes blocked during sleep, preventing normal airflow. These events are called apneas (complete pauses) or hypopneas (partial obstructions).

Common reasons this happens include:

Airway Anatomy

A naturally narrow airway, enlarged tonsils, or a recessed jaw can make airflow unstable during sleep.

Relaxed Throat Muscles

As you fall asleep, the muscles in your throat relax. For some people, they relax enough to cause airway collapse.

Extra Tissue Around the Neck

Weight gain significantly increases the risk of OSA because added tissue presses against the airway.

Sleeping Position

Sleeping on your back allows gravity to pull the tongue and soft tissues backward, narrowing the airway.

Nasal Congestion

Chronic congestion or allergies can worsen nighttime breathing and increase airway obstruction.

Even if you feel fine during the day, these repeated breathing interruptions disrupt the structure of sleep and force your body into a constant “fight-or-flight” mode.


Signs You May Be Stopping Breathing in Your Sleep

Many people don’t know they have sleep apnea because it happens when they’re unconscious, but the signs show up in subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways.

Someone Has Noticed You Stop Breathing

If a partner, roommate, or family member has witnessed choking, gasping, loud snoring, or breathing pauses, take this seriously. Observed apneas are one of the strongest indicators of sleep apnea.

You Wake Up Gasping or Choking

This is a classic symptom of OSA. Your body essentially wakes you up to restart your breathing.

Loud, Persistent Snoring

Snoring isn’t always dangerous, but loud, disruptive, or irregular snoring is strongly linked to sleep apnea.

Morning Headaches

Interrupted breathing leads to oxygen drops overnight, which can cause headaches upon waking.

Extreme Daytime Fatigue

Repeated nighttime awakenings, even ones you don’t remember, destroy sleep quality. Many people with sleep apnea feel:

  • Unrefreshed in the morning

  • Sleepy during the day

  • Unable to focus

Dry Mouth or Sore Throat

Mouth breathing from airway obstruction leads to dryness and irritation.

Waking Up Frequently at Night

If you wake often without understanding why, apnea may be the underlying cause.

Difficulty Staying Asleep

Sleep fragmentation is common in people who stop breathing repeatedly throughout the night.

Even if your symptoms seem “mild,” they may point to significant breathing disturbances during sleep.

Why Leaving Sleep Apnea Untreated Is Risky

Ignoring breathing pauses can lead to serious health consequences. Sleep apnea is linked to:

  • High blood pressure

  • Heart disease

  • Stroke

  • Diabetes

  • Cognitive decline

  • Depression and anxiety

  • Weight gain

  • Drowsy driving accidents

Because breathing pauses activate your stress response throughout the night, your cardiovascular system is placed under chronic strain. Early testing can prevent these complications and dramatically improve long-term wellness.


When Should You Get Tested in Calgary?

If you suspect sleep apnea, getting a sleep study is the only way to confirm what’s happening. But many people wait longer than they should. Here are clear signs it’s time to schedule a sleep test in Calgary:

1. You Have Frequent Breathing Pauses Observed by Others

This is one of the strongest reasons to seek testing immediately.

2. You Wake Up Unrefreshed Despite Long Sleep

If eight hours of sleep still leaves you exhausted, something is disrupting your sleep structure.

3. You Snore Loudly or Inconsistently

Snoring that stops and starts, especially followed by gasps, is a major red flag.

4. You Feel Tired, Irritable, or Foggy During the Day

Chronic sleep fragmentation affects your cognitive and emotional health.

5. You Have Risk Factors

These include:

  • Being over age 40

  • Menopause

  • Higher BMI

  • Thick neck circumference

  • Family history of sleep apnea

  • Alcohol use before bed

  • Nasal obstruction

6. You Have Heart or Metabolic Concerns

Sleep apnea often worsens:

  • High blood pressure

  • Atrial fibrillation

  • Type 2 diabetes

If you have any of these, testing is strongly recommended.

7. You Have Insomnia Paired With Snoring

Many Calgarians have COMISA, a combination of insomnia and sleep apnea. If you struggle to stay asleep and also snore or gasp, a sleep study can determine whether apnea is contributing.


How Sleep Apnea Testing Works in Calgary

Most Calgary sleep clinics offer two types of testing:

Home Sleep Apnea Test (HSAT)

This is the most common option. You take a compact device home that measures:

  • Breathing effort

  • Oxygen levels

  • Airflow

  • Sleep position

  • Snoring

Home tests are convenient, comfortable, and effective for diagnosing moderate to severe OSA.

In-Lab Polysomnography

This overnight test is performed in a sleep lab. It is recommended when:

  • The home test is inconclusive

  • Other disorders (like limb movements or insomnia) may be involved

  • You have complex medical conditions


What Happens After Testing?

Once your results are analyzed, your sleep specialist will review the findings and recommend treatment options, which may include:

CPAP Therapy

A CPAP machine keeps your airway open with gentle air pressure. It is the most effective treatment for moderate and severe apnea.

Oral Appliance Therapy

Custom dental devices reposition the jaw to improve airflow. These can work well for mild to moderate OSA.

Positional Therapy

If your apnea is worse when sleeping on your back, positional therapy helps encourage side-sleeping.

Lifestyle Adjustments

Such as:

  • Weight management

  • Reducing alcohol intake

  • Treating nasal congestion

Treating sleep apnea often leads to improvements in energy, mood, blood pressure, concentration, and overall health within weeks.


Where to Get Tested for Sleep Apnea in Calgary

Calgary has several sleep clinics, but wait times, testing methods, and treatment support vary. Look for clinics that provide:

  • Direct access to home sleep tests

  • Support interpreting results

  • Help choosing and fitting CPAP equipment

  • Ongoing follow-up care

  • Guidance for insomnia or anxiety around sleep

A clinic that offers comprehensive assessment and long-term support will give you the best outcomes.


Final Thoughts: Don’t Ignore Breathing Pauses in Sleep

If you stop breathing during sleep, snore loudly, wake up unrefreshed, or feel excessively tired during the day, it’s time to get tested. Many Calgarians live with undiagnosed sleep apnea, but early evaluation can prevent serious health issues and restore better sleep.

Getting a sleep test in Calgary is simple, accessible, and one of the best steps you can take for your long-term health and your quality of life.

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