What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a condition characterized by interruptions in a person’s breathing cycle during sleep, causing the person to briefly awaken, usually hundreds of times during the course of a night’s slumber. This constant disruption in a person’s sleep means a person with sleep apnea doesn’t get enough quality rest, which can lead to a number of problems, including high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common form and occurs when something blocks the airways during sleep, usually the tongue and throat muscles, which become more relaxed when you’re sleeping. This blockage causes the person to awaken, often with a snort or choking sound. Many people living with OSA snore loudly and/or excessively.

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Types of Sleep Apnea

There are three types of sleep apnea. Each type is caused by different conditions and requires different treatment. In this section, we’ll explore the different types of sleep apnea and their causes.

Central

Central sleep apnea occurs because the body simply stops breathing from the brain failing to send the proper signals to your diaphragm, which keeps your lungs from filling with air.

Obstructive

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common form of sleep apnea and is caused by a partial or complete blockage of the airways.

Complex

Mixed sleep apnea is a combination of obstructive and central sleep apnea. Many people are diagnosed with OSA and during treatment, discover that they have mixed sleep apnea.

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Sleep Apnea Explained

Sleep apnea is a common and potentially dangerous sleep disorder. It occurs when your airways become repeatedly blocked during sleep, causing you to briefly awaken, possibly without becoming fully conscious. This constant disruption in a restful sleep can lead to many problems and issues for those living with this condition.

It’s important to get tested. Left untreated, sleep apnea can increase your risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and diabetes. One of the main symptoms of sleep apnea is loud and/or excessive snoring, so if you’re a snorer, it’s particularly important to see your doctor.