Understanding Sleep Apnea: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments
Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts. It can lead to poor sleep quality and other health issues.
Common symptoms include loud snoring, episodes of stopped breathing during sleep, abrupt awakenings with gasping or choking, morning headache, and excessive daytime sleepiness.
Causes include obesity, enlarged tonsils, a narrow airway, and certain medical conditions. Lifestyle factors such as smoking and alcohol use can also contribute.
Treatments include lifestyle changes, CPAP therapy, oral appliances, and surgery. It's important to consult a healthcare provider for a personalized treatment plan.