Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes breathing to repeatedly stop and start while sleeping. There are two main types of sleep apnea:

• Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA): This is the more common form of sleep apnea, which occurs when throat muscles relax and block the flow of air into the lungs. People with OSA may experience loud snoring and daytime sleepiness.

• Central sleep apnea (CSA): This occurs when the brain doesnt send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. CSA is related to the function of the central nervous system and is most often seen in people with neuromuscular disease, heart failure, or other forms of heart, kidney, or lung disease.

Symptoms of sleep apnea can include loud snoring, daytime sleepiness, and pauses in breathing followed by gasping or choking. If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to serious health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.

Risk factors for sleep apnea include obesity, smoking, alcohol use, and having a family history of the condition. Medical conditions such as congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes can also increase the risk of sleep apnea.

If you suspect that you have sleep apnea, it is important to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Diagnosis may involve a sleep study, which monitors and records breathing, heart rate, and oxygen levels overnight. Treatment options for sleep apnea include lifestyle changes, such as losing weight and quitting smoking, and using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine to keep the airway open during sleep.