What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing or shallow breathing during sleep.

Causes: The exact cause of sleep apnea is not known, but there are several factors that can increase the risk of developing it, such as

• obesity
• smoking
• alcohol use
• family history
• advanced age

Symptoms: Common symptoms of sleep apnea include

• snoring
• choking or gasping during sleep
• excessive daytime sleepiness
• waking up frequently during the night to urinate.

Treatment: Treatment for sleep apnea typically involves lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, avoiding alcohol, and sleeping on your side. In severe cases, a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine may be recommended to help keep the airway open during sleep.

Risk Factors: Risk factors for sleep apnea include

• obesity
• large neck size
• being male
• family history
• smoking
• alcohol use
• advanced age.

Prevention: To prevent sleep apnea, it is recommended to maintain a healthy weight, avoid alcohol and smoking, and practice good sleep habits, such as sleeping on your side and keeping a regular sleep schedule.

Note: Consult with a doctor if you suspect you have sleep apnea as an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan can only be made after a thorough evaluation.