Final answer:
Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. It can lead to serious health issues and may be observed as snoring or gasping for breath. Treatment can involve lifestyle changes, use of breathing devices, or surgery.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sleep apnea is defined by episodes during which a sleeper's breathing stops. It is a disorder characterized by pauses in breathing or periods of shallow breathing during sleep. These pauses can last for a few seconds to minutes and may occur 30 times or more an hour. This condition is often diagnosed with the help of sleep studies. Treatment options include lifestyle changes, breathing devices, and surgery, depending on the severity.
There are two main types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat fail to keep the airway open, despite efforts to breathe. Central sleep apnea, which is less common, occurs when the brain fails to properly control breathing during sleep. Sleep apnea . may lead to chronic health issues such as cardiovascular problems and excessive daytime fatigue. Additionally, the disorder can be a concern for infants, especially premature babies, and may be related to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).