There are two types of sleep apnea: obstructive and central. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common. According to the National Institute of Health, millions of people are suffering from sleep apnea and don’t even realize it.

Most cases of sleep apnea are caused because something blocks the soft tissues of the throat during sleep; obstructed breathing causes the sufferer to partially wake (called arousals) – and this can happen as many as 60 to 70 times per hour, resulting in fatigue and sleepiness the next day. When people with sleep apnea try to breathe through an obstruction, they may snore loudly.

Sleep apnea can affect anyone – even children. High-risk factors include being overweight or obese, having a large neck and using alcohol and tobacco.

Obstructive sleep apnea and its symptoms increase the risk for elevated blood pressure, myocardial infarction, stroke, obesity, sexual dysfunction, memory loss, and driving and work-related accidents.

Click to learn more about Obstructive Sleep Apnea, by Lyle D. Victor, M.D.

View sleep apnea movies and animation

Do you have Sleep Apnea?

If you think you might have sleep apnea, use the Epworth Sleepiness Scale to see how you score. If you have further concerns, share the results with your physician and get the care you need.