Sleep Apnea: What It Is, Its Types, Symptoms, and Treatment

Published on Tuesday 07 February, 2023

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by repeated pauses in breathing during sleep. There are three main types of sleep apnea:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): This is the most common type of sleep apnea, caused by a physical blockage of the airway.
Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): This type of sleep apnea is caused by the brain failing to signal the muscles to breathe, rather than a physical blockage.
Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome (CSAS): Also known as treatment-emergent central sleep apnea, this is a combination of OSA and CSA.

Symptoms of sleep apnea include loud snoring, gasping or choking during sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness, headache, trouble concentrating, and depression or irritability.

Treatment for sleep apnea depends on the type and severity of the disorder, but common treatments include lifestyle changes, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), oral appliances, and surgery.