Sleep Apnea

Definition

Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder where a person's breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, leading to poor sleep quality and other health issues.

Scientific / Technical Definition

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. These interruptions, known as apneas, occur when the throat muscles intermittently relax and block the airway, or when the brain fails to send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. The most common types are obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central sleep apnea (CSA).

Benefits

• Diagnosis and treatment can improve sleep quality.
• Proper management increases daytime alertness.
• Reducing risks of cardiovascular issues associated with untreated sleep apnea.
• Improvement in overall quality of life.

Examples

• Use of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines.
• Lifestyle changes such as weight loss and quitting smoking.
• Surgical interventions in certain cases.

Additional Information

• Side effects: Untreated sleep apnea can lead to high blood pressure, heart problems, type 2 diabetes, and complications with medications and surgery.

Related Terms

• Obstructive Sleep Apnea
• Central Sleep Apnea
• CPAP Therapy
• Sleep Disorder
• REM Sleep

References

• Sleep Apnea: Overview and Types
• Sleep Apnea Fact Sheet