Is sleep apnea common?

Yes: It has been published that it affects 4% of men and 2% of women, but personally, i think it is much higher. Unfortunately, it has been given lower priority than other medical conditions. That is now changing as we are discovering that is is associated with considerable medical and psychiatric morbidity and even mortality.

Yes: Not only is it very common, but more concerning is that some studies estimate that upto 90% of those with sleep apnea havent been diagnosed with it yet (they don't know they have it).

Yes: Most people with it are not diagnosed yet. Published numbers are low, and most authors of studies admit that the number is likely much higher. Many people snore and "insist" they don't have apnea. Most of them are wrong and unable to diagnose. Even if a spouse says they don't observe a struggle to breathe, a person can have this life threatening condition.

R/O OSA: OSA can be suggested by history and physical. Excess snoring/daytime sleepiness/apneic episodes/ aM headaches. And the Exam obesity/small oral airway/collar size>18. The definitive test is a PSG with split night/CPAP titration. I would request copy of sleep study and get a second opinion if you are not satisfied with the options. You are young CPAP can be difficult to tolerate. ENT FOR UPP EVAL.