Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. These interruptions, known as apneas, can last from a few seconds to minutes and may occur multiple times throughout the night. The most common types of sleep apnea are:
1. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA):
- Most Common Type: OSA occurs when the muscles in the throat relax excessively during sleep, causing the airway to narrow or close, which temporarily stops breathing.
- Risk Factors: Obesity, large neck circumference, narrow airway, male gender, age, and family history.
- Symptoms: Loud snoring, gasping for air during sleep, waking up with a dry mouth, morning headaches, difficulty staying asleep (insomnia), excessive daytime sleepiness (hypersomnia), difficulty paying attention, and irritability.
2. Central Sleep Apnea (CSA):
- Less Common: CSA occurs when the brain fails to send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. Unlike OSA, it’s not caused by a blockage of the airway.
- Risk Factors: Heart disorders, stroke, and other conditions affecting the brainstem.
- Symptoms: Episodes of stopped breathing during sleep, abrupt awakenings with shortness of breath, difficulty staying asleep, and excessive daytime sleepiness.
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