Sleep Apnea : Symptoms,Cause and Treatment
Loud snoring—especially when accompanied by daytime sleepiness or fatigue—may be a sign of sleep apnea, a common but serious disorder that impacts breathing. Here’s what you need to know.
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which your breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep. These breathing pauses typically last between 10 to 20 seconds and can happen from 5 to over 100 times per hour.
The lack of oxygen during a sleep apnea episode jolts you awake—usually so briefly that you don’t remember it. But these disruptions to your natural sleep rhythm mean that you spend more time in light sleep and less in the deep, restorative sleep you need to be energetic, mentally sharp, and productive the next day.
Sleep apnea can also cause many health problems—in some cases deadly. So it’s important to take seriously. If you or your bed partner suspect sleep apnea, talk to your doctor without delay.
