In a recent feature for the “Your Monthly Check‑Up” series, UConn Health Sleep Center Director Dr. Jennifer Langstengel highlighted the growing prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea and the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. The discussion was anchored by the personal story of Liz Pereira, a mother of three from Connecticut, who struggled with chronic fatigue and daytime sleepiness before receiving a proper diagnosis.

Understanding Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the airway collapses or narrows during sleep, causing brief pauses in breathing, drops in oxygen levels, and frequent micro‑awakenings. These interruptions prevent restorative sleep, leading to daytime drowsiness, headaches, and a host of long‑term health risks.

According to recent data, nearly 84 million adults in the United States were living with obstructive sleep apnea in 2024, making it the most common form of the disorder. Dr. Langstengel explained that symptoms can differ between men and women; women often report fatigue and insomnia, which may be mistaken for menopause or pregnancy‑related tiredness.

Liz Pereira’s Experience

Liz Pereira recounted years of battling exhaustion at work and at home. “I could be watching a movie or having a conversation and literally, if they continue the conversation, I will completely fall asleep on the couch and not realize that I fell asleep,” she said.

She also suffered frequent migraines, body aches, and relied on over‑the‑counter pain relievers to get through the day. After a thorough evaluation, Pereira was diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea and prescribed a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine along with a GLP‑1 medication, which has recently been approved for treating moderate to severe sleep apnea.

“So for me, wearing this mask is like my best friend. I need the mask,” Pereira added, emphasizing how the therapy transformed her daily functioning.

Treatment Options and Emerging Therapies

Dr. Langstengel outlined the primary treatment modalities available:

• CPAP machines, which deliver steady airflow to keep the airway open.
• Custom‑fit oral appliances that reposition the jaw.
• Implanted devices for select patients.
• GLP‑1 therapy, now covered by Medicare and Medicaid for eligible patients, which can reduce the severity of apnea by promoting weight loss and improving airway tone.

Patients can undergo a sleep study at home or in a sleep lab, with a minimum six‑hour recording required for an accurate assessment.

Why Early Intervention Matters

Leaving sleep apnea untreated can contribute to serious health conditions, including dementia, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic disorders. “We have to set the body up to age well, with good quality sleep so the brain, heart, and all organs receive proper oxygen flow throughout the night,” Dr. Langstengel emphasized.

She also noted a rise in referrals, partly driven by increased awareness of GLP‑1 therapy’s benefits. While wearable sleep trackers are popular, Dr. Langstengel cautioned that they may not provide the diagnostic accuracy of a formal sleep study.

Takeaway for Connecticut Residents

For anyone experiencing persistent daytime sleepiness, loud snoring, gasping episodes, or dry mouth upon waking, seeking evaluation at a sleep center is advisable. Early diagnosis and appropriate therapy can dramatically improve quality of life, as demonstrated by Pereira’s story.

UConn Health encourages residents to discuss sleep concerns with their primary care providers and consider a sleep study if symptoms persist.

Original reporting: NBC Connecticut — read the source article.