Sleep apnea causes pauses in breathing for short periods while you’re asleep. These pauses can reduce the quality of your sleep and increase your risk for several health conditions, including heart disease and high blood pressure. There are two main types of sleep apnea: obstructive and central. Obstructive sleep apnea happens when your airway gets constricted or blocked while you’re sleeping. It can lead to loud snoring and choking sounds. It can also cause daytime sleepiness, putting you at greater risk for accidents while driving or working.
Understanding Sleep Apnea: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions
Central sleep apnea, the less common form, occurs when your brain fails to send signals to the muscles that control breathing. This can cause you to stop breathing for a short time, often without you realizing it. It may affect all stages of sleep but is more likely to happen in Stage 1 and REM sleep. People who have central sleep apnea often don’t remember the episodes, but their spouses and other loved ones might notice that they wake up frequently during the night or seem unusually drowsy during the day.
Both obstructive and central sleep apnea can cause serious health problems, but they’re often treatable. Treatment options include lifestyle changes, mouthpieces, surgery, and devices that help you breathe during sleep. For more information on these options, talk to your doctor or a sleep specialist. It’s important to work closely with your doctors to monitor your progress and make adjustments to your care as needed.