Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder in which breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep. It can cause excessive daytime sleepiness, poorer quality of life, and even an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. While it is a common problem, many people are unaware of the causes and treatments available.

This article will provide an overview of sleep apnea, including what it is, what causes it, the symptoms and effects, and how it is diagnosed and treated.

Sleep apnea is a disorder in which your breathing is interrupted for 10 seconds or more during sleep. It can occur hundreds of times a night and in severe cases, can last up to a minute. There are many sleep clinics available in Australia that also provide the facility of at-home sleep test.

The most common type of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which is caused by a narrowing of the airway that prevents air from getting into the lungs. Other types of sleep apnea include central sleep apnea, which is caused by a disruption in the signals from the brain to the breathing muscles, and complex sleep apnea, which is a combination of OSA and central sleep apnea.

The symptoms of sleep apnea vary, but the most common ones are loud snoring, pauses in breathing, and waking up feeling tired or groggy. People with sleep apnea may also experience frequent headaches, dry mouth, and difficulty concentrating. In addition, untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious health issues, such as high blood pressure, heart failure, stroke, and diabetes.

Sleep apnea is diagnosed through a sleep study, which is performed in a sleep lab or at home. During the study, the patient’s breathing, heart rate, and other vital signs are monitored. If the results indicate that the patient has sleep apnea, then the doctor can recommend treatment options.