sleepapnea

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. These pauses in breathing, called apneas, can last for several seconds to minutes and may occur many times throughout the night. There are three main types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), central sleep apnea (CSA), and complex sleep apnea (also known as treatment-emergent central sleep apnea).

Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common form. It occurs when the airway becomes blocked, usually by the relaxation of soft tissues in the throat. This blockage prevents air from entering the lungs. Central sleep apnea is less common and happens when the brain fails to send the proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. Complex sleep apnea is a combination of both OSA and CSA.

Symptoms of sleep apnea can include loud snoring, observed pauses in breathing, gasping for air during sleep, daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, and difficulty concentrating. If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to serious health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and accidents due to excessive daytime fatigue. Diagnosis typically involves a sleep study, also known as polysomnography. Treatment options vary depending on the type and severity of sleep apnea and may include lifestyle changes, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, oral appliances, or surgery.