Sleep Apnea is a condition characterized by brief interruptions of breathing during sleep. People with sleep apnea may have symptoms of: loud, frequent snoring, frequent episodes of apnea (breath holding), or daytime sleepiness.

 

Types of Sleep Apnea

There are two types of sleep apnea: obstructive and central.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common type. This is caused when the upper airways collapse during sleep and air cannot flow into or out of one's nose or mouth, although efforts to breathe continue. Breathing stops for several seconds to over a minute and levels of blood oxygen may drop during these episodes. Each episode causes one to awaken and then go back to sleep.

Central sleep apnea (CSA) occurs when the brain does not send the appropriate signals to the breathing muscles for respiration.

 

People at Risk for Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea tends to affect middle-age people. People with sleep apnea are often overweight. It is seen more often in men than in women. However, it can affect children and persons in a normal weight range, as well.

 

Effects of Sleep Apnea

Daytime sleepiness resulting from sleep apnea can become so severe it impacts daily activities. You may fall asleep while driving or during meetings, formal gatherings, or church services. Your performance at school or work may decline. Many people with sleep apnea become depressed or irritable.

If left untreated, sleep apnea may lead to serious medical problems. These include an irregular heart rate, heart disease, heart attack, high blood pressure, and stroke.

 

This information has been approved by Teofilo Lee-Chiong, Jr, MD (September 2009).