åndedrætsstop

Åndedrætsstop, also known as apnea, refers to a temporary cessation of breathing. This can occur involuntarily or be voluntarily induced. Involuntary apnea is a common physiological phenomenon, particularly during sleep, where it can manifest as sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder characterized by repeated pauses in breathing during sleep. These pauses can last from a few seconds to minutes and can occur many times an hour, disrupting sleep patterns and leading to daytime sleepiness and other health problems.

Voluntary apnea, or breath-holding, is a conscious decision to stop breathing. Humans can voluntarily hold their breath for varying amounts of time, influenced by factors such as training, lung capacity, and physical condition. Free divers, for example, train extensively to extend their breath-hold times for underwater exploration. While voluntary apnea can be a controlled activity, attempting to hold one's breath for excessively long periods can be dangerous and lead to loss of consciousness or other adverse effects. In certain medical contexts, such as during surgery, induced apnea might be a necessary part of a procedure.