Sleep Apnea

What is “sleep apnea”? (NHLBI)
     · Sleep apnea is a common breathing disorder that can be very serious.
     · In sleep apnea, your breathing stops or becomes very shallow for periods of 10 to 20 seconds or longer many times during the night.
     · The most common type of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea.
     · It is estimated that more than 12 million Americans have sleep apnea.
     · The most common signs of sleep apnea are loud snoring and choking or gasping during sleep and being sleepy during the day.
     · Treatment is aimed at restoring regular nighttime breathing and relieving symptoms such as loud snoring and daytime sleepiness. Treatment will also help associated medical problems, such as high blood pressure, and reduce the risk for heart attack and stroke.
     · Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the most common treatment for sleep apnea.
     · Some people with sleep apnea may benefit from surgery.
     · Family members can help a person who snores loudly or stops breathing while sleeping by encouraging him or her to get medical help.
     · Treatment for sleep apnea may improve a person’s overall health and happiness as well as the quality of sleep for both the person and the entire family.