sleep apnea

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep. There are several types of sleep apnea, but the most common is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which occurs when the muscles in the throat relax and block the flow of air into the lungs. Sleep apnea can lead to loud snoring, daytime sleepiness, headaches, high blood pressure and other health problems. Sleep apnea can be treated with a variety of treatments, including lifestyle changes, a machine that pumps air into a mask you wear over your mouth or nose (CPAP machine), a device that keeps your airway open (mandibular advancement device), or surgery. If you think you have sleep apnea, you should see your doctor and get tested at a specialized sleep clinic. For more information, you can check out these resources: Health Outcomes, Mayo Clinic, WebMD.