Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a common disorder in which breathing is briefly and repeatedly interrupted during sleep. It occurs when the throat muscles relax and the airway narrows or closes, reducing the amount of air that can flow through to the lungs. It can cause loud snoring (which can disturb those around you) and a decrease in oxygen levels in the blood. It can also lead to daytime sleepiness, increase the risk of high blood pressure, stroke, and heart disease, and affect one's overall quality of life. Effective treatments are available to mitigate the effects of sleep apnea and increase oxygen levels. These include lifestyle changes, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, and oral appliances.