What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that causes you to stop breathing during sleep. It’s important to understand the signs and symptoms and consult your doctor if you think you might have it. Treating sleep apnea with CPAP therapy can help you get the rest you need and take back control of your life.

What causes sleep apnea?

There are three main types of sleep apnea, but the most common is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). When we sleep, the throat relaxes. For people with OSA, sometimes they relax so much that the airway becomes narrowed or blocked. As a result, air flow is reduced or completely stops flowing into the upper airway and the lungs, so the body doesn’t get the oxygen it needs to function.

What happens when you have sleep apnea?

  • An apnea event is when air stops flowing to your lungs for ten seconds or longer, meaning you stop breathing.

  • Your brain sends a signal to your body to wake up and take a breath. You take a breath and fall back to sleep.

  • These apnea events can occur hundreds of times a night and many people with sleep apnea don’t know it’s happening.

Benefits of sleep apnea treatment and CPAP therapy

Effective sleep apnea therapy, which includes the use of CPAP equipment, has been shown to help ease common symptoms and improve energy levels, productivity and overall mind-body wellness. It’s important to remember that if left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to other serious health issues.