Final answer:
Episodes of sleep apnea, which involve pauses in breathing during sleep, are generally more frequent and severe during sleep and can lead to significant health risks and daytime impairment. Obstructive sleep apnea is a common form, often exacerbated by certain lifestyle factors and physical conditions. Symptoms include loud snoring, restless sleep, and excessive daytime sleepiness.
Step-by-step explanation:
Episodes of apnea typically are more frequent and severe during sleep. Sleep apnea is a disorder characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep, often due to a physical blockage of air flow. This blockage results in disruptions in sleep quality, leading to a variety of symptoms including fatigue, irritability, and memory problems. Obstructive sleep apnea is one form, occurring when the airway is blocked during sleep, often when muscles in the throat relax excessively. Other risk factors include obesity, alcohol use, and certain medications that relax muscle tone more than usual.
Additionally, certain conditions like being overweight, smoking, and having diabetes can increase the risk of developing sleep apnea. Individuals with this condition often experience loud snoring, restless sleep, and excessive daytime sleepiness, which may contribute to an increased risk of accidents and other health problems.