Final answer:
Sleep apnea is a chronic disorder characterized by the cessation of breathing during sleep, usually due to the collapse of the upper airway. Symptoms include loud snoring, restless sleep, daytime sleepiness, and fatigue. Treatment options include lifestyle changes, oral devices, CPAP machines, and surgery.
Step-by-step explanation:
Definition:
Sleep apnea is a chronic disorder characterized by the cessation of breathing during sleep, usually due to the collapse of the upper airway. There are two types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the airway becomes blocked, while central sleep apnea is caused by disruptions in the brain signals that regulate breathing.
Symptoms:
Common symptoms of sleep apnea include loud snoring, restless sleep, daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and morning headaches. Factors such as obesity, smoking, and diabetes increase the risk of sleep apnea.
Treatment:
Treatment options for sleep apnea include lifestyle changes such as weight loss and quitting smoking. Other treatments include using an oral device to keep the airway open during sleep or using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine to provide pressurized air. In some cases, surgery may be needed to remove tissues that block the airway.