What is Sleep Apnea?

Apnea is a Greek word meaning without breath. People with untreated sleep apnea stop breathing repeatedly during their sleep - sometimes hundreds of times during the night and often for a minute or even longer. With each apnea event, the brain briefly arouses the individual in order for them to resume breathing, but consequently sleep is extremely fragmented and of poor quality. People with sleep apnea are often tired and extremely fatigued as a result of their condition.

There are three types of apnea: obstructive, central and mixed. Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by blockage of the airway, usually when the soft tissue in the rear of the throat collapses during sleep. Central sleep apnea is caused when the brain fails to signal the muscles to breathe. Mixed sleep apnea, as the name implies, is a combination of the two.

How can you determine if you might suffer from sleep apnea?

1. Do you snore loud?
2. Do you feel tired or fatigued while you are awake?
3. Are you overweight?
4. Have you or your partner noticed if you choke, gasp or hold your breath during sleep?

You should consult your physician should you have any of these conditions.