Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that can prove fatal if left untreated. People suffering from this condition often fall asleep quite normally, however once asleep they start to experience short interruptions of breath. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common form, and is caused by the muscles in the throat becoming too relaxed and collapsing back down into the airways.
In order to survive, the body sends a signal to the brain that breathing has stopped, and this makes the sufferer wake up and either choke or gasp for air. Sleep apnea usually last for about 10 seconds, but can occur up to 50 times an hour. The person suffering from this sleep disorder is often unaware of it and cannot understand why they feel so tired during the day.
In order to survive, the body sends a signal to the brain that breathing has stopped, and this makes the sufferer wake up and either choke or gasp for air. Sleep apnea usually last for about 10 seconds, but can occur up to 50 times an hour. The person suffering from this sleep disorder is often unaware of it and cannot understand why they feel so tired during the day.