Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, leading to poor oxygen flow to the brain and body. It can cause loud snoring, gasping for air, and excessive daytime sleepiness. The most common type, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), occurs when throat muscles relax and block the airway. Risk factors include obesity, smoking, and certain medical conditions. Treatment options range from lifestyle changes and CPAP machines to oral appliances and, in severe cas

Obstructive sleep apnea increases the risk of high blood pressure, stroke and coronary artery disease. If you experience any of these signs of sleep apnea, ask your doctor about a sleep study. ➡️ Loud snoring or gasping ➡️ Irregular breathing during sleep ➡️ Excessive daytime sleepiness ➡️ Morning headaches ➡️ Concentration and memory problems ➡️ Mood or behavior changes ➡️ Anxiety, depression | American Heart Association