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. It could result from conditions such as a stroke or heart failure. High altitudes can also be the cause of this type of sleep apnea.

3. Complex sleep apnea syndrome
Complex sleep apnea syndrome, also known as mixed sleep apnea, is a combination of both obstructive and central sleep apnea. The condition may develop when some patients with obstructive sleep apnea undergo treatment that uses CPAP machines. After the treatment, quite a few patients are diagnosed with this particular type of sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea risk factors
Anyone can develop the condition, including children. However, some risk factors increase the chances of a person getting sleep apnea. These include the following.

1. Excess body weight
Suppose a person is obese, their chances of developing sleep apnea increase. Fat deposits can accumulate in the upper airway, thereby obstructing breathing.

2. Circumference of the neck
Those who have thicker necks can be at a higher risk of developing sleep apnea. Thicker necks make the airways narrower.

3. Narrow airway
Some people have a narrow throat. Besides, the airway can get blocked by adenoids or tonsils. This happens especially in children.

4. Gender
Sleep apnea is two to three times more commonly found in males as compared to females. But, menopause and obesity can also increase the risk of sleep apnea in females.