Sleep apnea is a medical condition that causes someone to stop breathing intermittently while they sleep.
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What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a medical condition that causes intermittent breathing disruptions during sleep.
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These interruptions occur frequently throughout the night and often last 10 seconds or more.
There are several types of sleep apnea, including:
How Common Is Sleep Apnea?
The American Sleep Apnea Association estimates that around 22 million Americans have sleep apnea.
Many people with the condition dont know they have it.
Symptoms
Many people with sleep apnea arent aware of any interruptions in their sleep during the night.
Instead, the first symptom many people notice is excessive daytime sleepiness.
After talking to your healthcare provider about your symptoms, they will likely refer you to a sleep specialist.
An overnight sleep study may be conducted at a sleep lab or, if medically necessary, at home.
During a sleep study, youll be provided with a comfortable place to rest for around six hours.
This number refers to the breathing interruptions you experience per hour while you sleep.
An AHI of 5 to 15 is classified as mild, while 15 to 30 is moderate.
Someone who experiences 30 or more interruptions per hour has severe sleep apnea.
Treatment
The most common treatment for sleep apnea is positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy.
The mask eliminates apneas by blowing pressurized air into the lungs.
Keeping Up With PAP Therapy
PAP therapy for sleep apnea is generally safe and effective.
In more severe cases, however, you will likely need treatment with aCPAP gadget.
Summary
Sleep apnea is a common medical condition that causes intermittent disruptions in breathing during sleep.
A Word From Verywell
While theres no cure for sleep apnea,it is treatable.
Frequently Asked Questions
A healthy blood oxygen level is usually 95% or higher.
A blood oxygen level of 92% or lower is concerning and may require supplemental oxygen.
At 88%, you should seek immediate medical attention.A level of 70% and lower may be life-threatening.
Sleep apnea is not curable.
Sleep apnea causes disruptions in breathing that last for 10 seconds or more.
Uncontrolled sleep apnea can lead to a number of potential health complications.
These may include stroke, heart disease, heart attack, diabetes, and sudden death.
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