Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts, commonly due to throat muscles intermittently relaxing and blocking the airway.
Symptoms
- Loud snoring
- Episodes of stopped breathing
- Gasping for air during sleep
- Morning headache
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Irritability
Causes
- Obstructed airway
- Obesity
- Narrowed airway
- Family history
- Use of alcohol or sedatives
Treatments
- CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure)
- Lifestyle changes
- Oral appliances
- Surgery
- Weight loss
Prevention
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Avoid alcohol before bed
- Quit smoking
- Sleep on your side
- Regular exercise