Sleep apnea causes pauses in breathing, which reduce the amount of oxygen in the blood. This can cause daytime sleepiness, irritability and memory problems. It can also increase the risk of heart disease by raising the pressure on the coronary arteries and causing abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias). The condition is more common in men, older people, and those who are overweight. It can also affect people who take sedatives, some prescription painkillers or general anesthetics.

Exploring the Common Causes of Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the walls of the throat collapse and narrow during sleep, preventing air from reaching the lungs. This can cause vibrations in the back of the throat which produce the sound we know as snoring. In extreme cases, the throat can collapse so far that the airway is closed off and no air can get in (apnoea). This robs the body of oxygen and raises levels of carbon dioxide in the blood, which can lead to poor performance at work or school.

The first step to getting a sleep apnea diagnosis is to tell your healthcare provider about your symptoms. They will ask you about your lifestyle and medical history, particularly any family history of the condition. They will examine you and look for anything that might be affecting your breathing, such as enlarged tonsils or adenoids, dental conditions (such as an overbite), obesity and birth defects. They will recommend an overnight sleep study which can be done either at a laboratory or in the comfort of your own home. This will measure your heart rate, oxygen level, airflow and breathing patterns.