Sleep apnea and Snoring

Sleep apnea and Snoring

Sleep apnea and snoring are sleep disorders that disrupt normal breathing during sleep, often leading to fragmented sleep and daytime fatigue. Sleep apnea is characterized by repeated episodes of partial or complete obstruction of the airway by the tongue and soft palate, causing breathing pauses that may last a few seconds to minutes, often accompanied by loud snoring, gasping, or choking sounds. Common symptoms include excessive daytime sleepiness, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and morning headaches. Snoring, while often less severe, can also indicate underlying issues such as obesity, nasal congestion, or sleep apnea itself. The conditions can be caused by factors like structural abnormalities in the airway, age, obesity, and lifestyle choices, including alcohol consumption and smoking. Treatment varies depending on the severity and type of sleep apnea, but may include oral appliances to reposition the jaw forward, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, and, in some cases, surgery to correct anatomical issues. Management also involves self-care lifestyle changes (weight loss, diet changes, and sleep position) to address contributing factors for improved sleep quality.