Sleep apnea, also known as Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), can disrupt people’s lives and damage their health. Left untreated, sleep apnea comes with serious risks affecting everything from mood and work performance to long-term health.¹   

Many people hope OSA will resolve on its own. However, treatment is often necessary, especially if the condition is moderate to severe.² If you notice any symptoms that may indicate that you have sleep apnea, it’s important to see your doctor. 

In this article, you’ll learn the circumstances under which OSA could improve without intervention and why you may still wish to seek treatment. 

Why sleep apnea usually doesn’t go away by itself 

Most cases of sleep apnea won’t go away by themselves, because, in general, their underlying causes are complex or fixed.^3,4 These include: 

Anatomical issues

Anatomical issues, such as a small throat or jaw, can cause OSA when they lead to a smaller airway or decreased muscle control.⁵

Genetic factors

Sleep apnea can be inheritable.⁶ Studies have shown that the risk of developing OSA is higher for people with a direct relative with the disorder.⁶ This genetic link is attributed to factors such as inherited physical characteristics.⁶

Age-related changes

People are more likely to develop OSA as they reach middle age or older.⁷

Neurological causes

Some research shows a link between OSA and neurological disorders, such as neurodegenerative diseases, stroke, and epilepsy.⁸

Chronic health conditions

If OSA is linked to an underlying chronic health condition, such as obesity, it’s unlikely to resolve on its own.⁹ 

When sleep apnea might naturally improve

When sleep apnea is caused by or linked to temporary circumstances or conditions, there is a chance it could improve on its own. These may include:

Childhood sleep apnea

Children with OSA may find the condition improves as they grow, especially if their OSA is caused by enlarged tonsils and adenoids.¹⁰

Pregnancy-related cases

If OSA is related to pregnancy, symptoms may resolve once the person is no longer pregnant.¹¹ 

Temporary medical conditions

Some medical conditions can cause sleep apnea. If that condition is temporary, it can be treated or will resolve on its own. An example would be hyperthyroidism.¹²

Medication-induced sleep apnea

If medication is causing OSA, patients may find their symptoms improve once they stop taking it.¹³ 

Short-term weight increases

Higher BMIs are strongly correlated to OSA. If sleep apnea is linked to a short-term weight increase, symptoms may ease or disappear as the person loses weight.⁹ 

The risks of waiting for OSA to improve on its own 

Even when it is possible for OSA to resolve on its own, waiting for it to do so can have significant risks. OSA is linked to an increased risk of: 

Heart problems

Heart problems linked to OSA include heart attacks, stroke, and irregular heartbeat.¹⁴

Type 2 diabetes

While the exact mechanisms are still being studied, there is strong evidence linking OSA to an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.¹⁵

Mental health impact

OSA may put you more at risk of a range of mental health issues, including depression, thoughts of suicide, anxiety, and serious psychological distress.¹⁶

Accident risk

Severe fatigue caused by OSA means patients are at greater risk of accidents, including car crashes.¹⁷

Memory problems

A preliminary study presented to the American Academy of Neurology suggests that people with OSA are 50% more likely to experience memory issues and cognitive decline.^18,19 

Symptoms indicating you need to seek treatment

Any of the following symptoms require medical attention:²⁰ 

• Chronic, loud snoring
• Observed breathing pauses
• Morning headaches
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Mood changes
• Night sweats
• Morning dry mouth

How to get help

If you notice symptoms that may indicate sleep apnea, here’s how to get help:

Talk to your doctor

Tell your doctor about your experiences, symptoms and risk factors. They can refer you to a sleep specialist for diagnosis and prescribe a suitable treatment. 

Get a sleep study

A common way to diagnose OSA is with a sleep study, called a polysomnography.²¹ Specialists will measure your breathing, heart rate, blood oxygen, blood pressure, body movements, and brainwaves to look for signs of sleep apnea.²¹ At-home sleep tests are less comprehensive but can still be effective.²¹ For more on sleep studies, read our article, What is a sleep study?

Treatment options

If you’re diagnosed with sleep apnea, there are several options that can help manage the condition and prevent serious health impacts. 

CPAP therapy

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is among the most common and efficacious treatment options for managing OSA.²² A patient sleeps wearing a mask connected to a machine that regulates air pressure in the airway.²² This keeps the airway open, allowing smoother breathing. 

Medical interventions

Some medical interventions may help alleviate symptoms for some patients. These include: ^{23,24, 25}

• Surgery to shrink tissue, stimulate nerves or reposition the jaw
• Devices to reposition jaw or body

Your doctor and sleep specialist can advise on the course of treatment that will best suit you. However, this may include a combination of approaches.

Monitoring your condition

Monitoring your condition helps you understand when and if you may need additional support. Self-monitoring and professional oversight are both important aspects and could include^26,27:

• Regular check-ups
• Sleep study follow-ups
• Symptom tracking
• Partner feedback

Frequently asked questions

How long should I wait to see if sleep apnea goes away?

People who suspect they have OSA should see their doctor. It’s unlikely the condition will go away on its own. 

What happens If I just ignore sleep apnea? 

Ignoring sleep apnea can increase the risk of accidents and significant long-term health consequences.²⁸

How do I know If sleep apnea Is getting worse?

Sleep apnea may be getting worse if patients or their doctors notice new or increasingly severe symptoms.²⁶ It’s important to monitor the condition through regular check-ups, sleep study follow-ups, and symptom tracking.

This content is for educational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for the medical advice of your healthcare provider.