Sleep apnea is a common condition that affects millions of Americans.
It also may occur due to a depressed signal from the brainstem to initiate a breath.
These events lare defined as lasingt 10 seconds or longer, and may occur hundreds of times per night.
Illustration by Jessica Olah, Verywell
Someone with sleep apnea may experience loud snoring, brief pauses in breathing, and intermittent gasping.
Theeffects of sleep apneacan have significant consequences on one’s sleep quality, daytime function, andoverall health.
It may affect someone at any age, but the prevalence of sleep apnea increases beyond middle age.
Complex sleep apnea occurs with certain treatments.
Sleep apnea is actually relatively common.
If someone will develop sleep apnea, they will typically do so by age 65.
It is more common among men.
These may includeoral appliances, positional therapy, orsurgeries.
As always, individuals with sleep disorders benefit from observing better sleep guidelines.
There are many possible contributing factors that could cause your breathing to be disrupted.
If you are experiencing sleep apnea, speak to your healthcare professional aboutpotential treatmentsthat are right for you.
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