Sleep Apnea – Types and Risk Factors
Sleep apnea is a type of sleep disorder characterized by interrupted breathing during sleep. If a person snores loudly or wakes up feeling tired after a night’s sleep, they could sleep apnea. There are various types and risk factors of sleep apnea. Knowing about these can help one prevent and fight the condition effectively. The types and risk factors of sleep apnea are mentioned below: Types of sleep apnea There are three main types of sleep apnea: 1. Obstructive sleep apnea This type of sleep apnea is identified by involuntary interruptions in breathing that occur when a person is asleep. When a person has this type of apnea, their normal airflow is interrupted several times at night. This happens because the space for air in the throat is narrower than usual. If the condition is left untreated, it can lead to severe health conditions, including heart problems, diabetes, stroke, and hypertension. 2. Central sleep apnea This is the type of sleep apnea in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts while a person is asleep. This typically takes place when the muscles that control breathing do not receive proper signals from the brain. Central sleep apnea is less common as compared to obstructive sleep apnea.