Why Do You Snore? Uncovering the True Causes of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a widespread sleep disorder affecting millions globally, with an estimated 39 million adults in the U.S. alone experiencing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It involves repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep due to partial or complete obstruction of the upper airway, leading to reduced oxygen levels and disrupted rest. If you're curious about this condition, here’s a comprehensive overview of what sleep apnea entails, including its types, symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment options. *Types of Sleep Apnea - There are two primary forms of sleep apnea: - **Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA):** The most common type, OSA occurs when the throat muscles relax excessively during sleep, blocking the airway. This leads to breathing pauses that can disrupt sleep quality. - **Central Sleep Apnea (CSA):** Less common, CSA results from the brain failing to send proper signals to the muscles controlling breathing. Unlike OSA, it’...