Sleep apnea is a potentially life-threatening medical disorder
that causes the patient’s body to stop breathing during sleep.
The muscles in the patient’s throat relaxes and the tongue may
fall back and block the airway as the patients sleep, reducing
the amount of oxygen delivered to all of the patient’s organs
including the patient’s heart and brain. People with sleep apnea
may snore loudly and stop breathing for short periods of time.
The breathing pauses from sleep cause the patient’s body to
briefly wake while the patient remains unaware. This can happen
hundreds of times per night. In addition to snoring and
excessive daytime sleepiness, sleep apnea can cause memory loss,
morning headaches, irritability, depression, decreased sex drive
and impaired concentration. When left untreated, sleep apnea can
lead to hypertension, stroke, diabetes, heart attack and sudden
death during sleep. Sleep apnea patients are often older, obese
and have thick necks – but it’s important to note that men and
women of any age