Sleep apnea
Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder where a person's breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. These pauses in breathing can lead to fragmented, poor-quality sleep, leaving the person feeling tired and unrested despite having spent a full night in bed. The most common type is obstructive sleep apnea, where the throat muscles intermittently relax and block the airway.
Symptoms can include loud snoring, episodes of stopped breathing observed by another person, and excessive daytime sleepiness. Some people may also experience morning headaches, difficulty paying attention, or irritability due to disrupted sleep cycles.
Sleep apnea affects people of all ages, but certain factors such as obesity, male gender, and older age can increase the risk. Untreated sleep apnea can lead to more serious health conditions, including high blood pressure, heart problems, and type 2 diabetes.
Diagnosis usually involves a sleep study that monitors breathing and other body functions during sleep. Treatments vary, ranging from lifestyle changes and breathing devices (like CPAP machines) to surgical options in some cases.
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