Sleep Apnea
Description
A potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. If left untreated, it can lead to high blood pressure, heart problems, and other complications. There are two main types: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Central Sleep Apnea (CSA).
Common Symptoms
- Loud snoring
- Episodes in which you stop breathing during sleep (witnessed by another person)
- Gasping for air during sleep
- Waking up with a dry mouth
- Morning headache
- Excessive daytime sleepiness (hypersomnia)
Common Causes
- OSA: Throat muscles relax and block the airway.
- CSA: The brain fails to send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing.
Treatment Information
Lifestyle changes like weight loss. The most common treatment is a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. Oral appliances and surgery are other options.
Important: This information is for educational purposes only.
Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.