Final answer:
Sleep apnea is a disorder characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep, usually due to airway blockages, and can lead to poor sleep, fatigue, and other symptoms. There are two types: obstructive and central sleep apnea, with obstructive being more common due to physical airflow obstruction.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sleep apnea is a temporary cessation of breathing during sleep found most commonly in the elderly and others. It is a disorder characterized by the pauses in breathing that can be quite dangerous if they last for more than a few seconds. These pauses often result from a physical blockage of airflow. During these episodes, carbon dioxide builds up in the bloodstream, causing the respiratory centers in the brain to wake the person enough to resume breathing. This process can repeat multiple times throughout the night, leading to a significant disruption in sleep quality.
There are two main types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when an individual's airway is physically blocked during sleep. Central sleep apnea, on the other hand, occurs when there is a disruption in the signals sent from the brain that regulate breathing, causing periods of interrupted breathing.
Symptoms of sleep apnea include fatigue, irritability, memory problems, and morning headaches due to poor sleep quality. Moreover, excessive snoring is often associated with obstructive sleep apnea, leading to a dry throat upon waking.