Sleep Concern

I've been told I stop breathing

Witnessed pauses in breathing, gasping, or choking during sleep.

Educational information — not medical advice. Talk to your care team about what's right for you.

Overview

Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition in which the airway repeatedly narrows or collapses during sleep, causing breathing to pause — sometimes dozens of times an hour. Each pause briefly wakes the brain enough to reopen the airway, fragmenting sleep silently and straining the cardiovascular system night after night. Because it happens during sleep, it is often a partner who notices it first.

Common Causes

Anatomical narrowing of the upper airway — jaw structure, neck circumference, or tissue laxity.
Excess weight that adds pressure to the airway during sleep.
Back sleeping, which lets gravity collapse the airway further.
Nasal obstruction or congestion that increases airway resistance.
Family history of sleep apnea or related anatomy.

What You May Be Experiencing

Witnessed pauses in breathing, gasping, or choking during sleep.
Loud, irregular snoring with silent pauses followed by snorts.
Waking with a dry mouth, sore throat, or morning headache.
Daytime sleepiness, poor concentration, or falling asleep in sedentary settings.
Unrefreshing sleep despite adequate hours, often with night sweats or frequent urination.

Dr. Morse's Approach

Dr. Morse treats sleep apnea as a medical condition with consequences far beyond the bedroom. Her approach begins with objective diagnosis — a sleep study — because the severity and the right treatment can only be determined with data. She then works with patients to find the therapy they will actually use consistently, whether that is PAP therapy, an oral appliance, positional treatment, or a weight-management plan, and she treats adherence as part of the treatment, not an afterthought.

Treatment Options

Behavioral

Positional therapy and weight management as foundational supports alongside primary treatment.

Lifestyle

Avoiding alcohol and sedatives, treating nasal congestion, and protecting consistent sleep timing.

Medical

Diagnostic sleep study, then PAP therapy, oral appliance therapy, or specialist referral based on severity.

Your Night-time Routine

A practical, step-by-step wind-down built around this concern's specific drivers. Follow it consistently for two to three weeks — rhythm, not perfection, is what resets sleep.

1
6:00 PM
No alcohol or sedatives — they worsen airway collapse.
2
7:30 PM
Clear nasal passages with saline or a prescribed rinse.
3
9:00 PM
Position on your side with a body pillow; avoid back sleeping.
4
9:30 PM
Begin your PAP or oral appliance routine; clean equipment daily for comfort and hygiene.
5
10:00 PM
Sleep — and use your therapy every night. Consistency is what protects your heart and brain.

Take this guide home

A printable PDF of this concern's full overview, routine, and treatment options.

Is Your Partner’s Snoring Keeping You Awake? A Guide to Airway Health

Snoring is more than just a nocturnal annoyance; it can be a significant indicator of underlying airway health issues. Learn how to address these sleep disruptions and prioritize restorative rest for both you and your partner.

When to Seek Help

Witnessed breathing pauses, gasping, or choking during sleep should be evaluated with a sleep study without delay. Sleep apnea carries serious long-term cardiovascular, metabolic, and cognitive risk, and effective treatment is available. This is not a condition to monitor and wait.

Educational — Not Medical Advice

This content is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is not a substitute for consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Submitting a question or receiving a reply does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and discuss any changes to your care with your own care team.

Ready for personalized guidance?

Dr. Morse offers one-on-one and group coaching to help you move from understanding your sleep concern to changing it. Share what you're experiencing and she'll be in touch.

Request a Coaching Consultation