Sleep Apnea

What is sleep apnea? Sleep apnea is a fairly common condition in which people stop breathing periodically during sleep. This prevents your body from getting enough oxygen and prevents deep, restful sleep for many people, which can lead to other health problems. 

There are two types, obstructive and central. Obstructive happens when your upper airway gets blocked during sleep. This can be caused by things such as obesity or enlarged tonsils. Central sleep apnea is when your brain does not send the proper signals to tell your body it needs to breathe. Both can be potentially dangerous and even lethal in some cases. Sleep apnea should be diagnosed by a professional, which can be done through obtaining a sleep study. A sleep study is just that--being observed in a clinical setting while you sleep. Professionals monitor your brain waves, your breathing, your pulse, and how many times you stop breathing, snore, or gasp in your sleep. If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, there are methods and machines that can help reduce symptoms, which can help you sleep more restfully. If you snore or wake up gasping for air, it may be time to talk to your doctor about possible sleep apnea.

What Is Sleep Apnea?