What is sleep apnea?
Sleep Apnea occurs when the airflow is blocked during sleep, which can cause you to wake up several times every night with a start or gasp. This can disrupt your quality of sleep and increase your risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, and other health problems.

There are two types of Sleep Apnea: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Central Sleep Apnea (CSA). OSA is caused by an obstruction in the upper airway that prevents normal breathing while sleeping. CSA occurs when there is no muscle tone in the throat muscles that regulate breathing, causing air to flow freely into and out of the lungs without sufficient oxygen being delivered.

If you suspect you have Sleep Apnea, it's important to see a healthcare professional who can perform a comprehensive evaluation and determine the best course of action. This may include using CPAP therapy, a form of continuous positive Airway Pressure treatment, which helps keep the airways open while you sleep. Additionally, lifestyle changes such as losing weight, quitting smoking, and avoiding alcohol can also help reduce the severity of Sleep Apnea symptoms.