Sleep apnea is the repeated cessation of breathing during sleep and prevents your body from receiving sufficient amounts of oxygen. This can result in impaired concentration, excessive unexplained sleepiness, and sleep fragmentation.

Different pathophysiological pathways can cause sleep apnea and can manifest in varying degrees of severity. It can either be caused by physical obstruction of the oropharyngeal airway (obstructive sleep apnoea OSA), or through the interruption of neurological stimulation of the respiratory muscles (central sleep apnoea CSA).

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most prevalent form and occurs when the throat muscles relax excessively, leading to a blockage of the airway. Central sleep apnea (CSA) occurs when the brain fails to send the proper signals to the muscles responsible for controlling breathing. Complex sleep apnea syndrome is a combination of both obstructive and central sleep apnea.

Common symptoms of sleep apnea include loud snoring, choking or gasping during sleep, daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. However, it's important to note that not everyone who snores has sleep apnea, and not all individuals with sleep apnea snore.

Untreated sleep apnea can lead to various health complications, including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and depression. It can also increase the risk of accidents due to daytime sleepiness.