Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. These pauses in breathing, known as apneas, can last from a few seconds to minutes and may occur 30 times or more per hour. The most common form is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), where the throat muscles intermittently relax and block the airway during sleep. Less common types include central sleep apnea, where the brain fails to properly control breathing during sleep, and complex sleep apnea syndrome, which is a combination of the two. Sleep apnea is typically recognized by symptoms such as loud snoring, observed episodes of stopped breathing, abrupt awakenings with gasping or choking, and daytime sleepiness or fatigue.

Diagnosis of sleep apnea is often based on medical history, a physical exam, and the results from sleep studies such as a polysomnography or a home-based portable monitor. Treatments include lifestyle changes, such as losing weight or changing sleep positions, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, oral appliances designed to keep the throat open, and surgery in some cases. Untreated sleep apnea can lead to a number of health problems, including hypertension, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and depression, underscoring the importance of medical intervention.