Sleep apnea is characterised by an interruption or prevention of breathing while asleep. There are two main types – obstructive apnea (which is more common) and central apnea, though a combination of these two types is also common.

Central sleep apnea is caused when the brain fails to send signals to the respiratory muscles. This is most common in babies, and in adults with heart problems, but can also be caused by some medicines.

Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by an obstruction that interferes with the flow of air. It affects more men than women and tends to be more severe in the overweight and obese. And it not only disrupts sleep, it can also cause heart problems, high blood pressure, and an increased risk of stroke.

Treatment for sleep apnea is generally categorized as nonsurgical or surgical.

Nonsurgical options vary from behavioral changes to medications and dental appliances.

Behavioral changes may simply involve changing your sleeping position, as most apneas seem to occur while sleeping on the back. A change in diet and lifestyle, accompanied by weight reduction can also dramatically reduce the severity of symptoms.

For mild cases, dental appliances that hold the jaw and tongue forward and the palate up to prevent the airway from closing can sometimes be effective.

For more troublesome cases, CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines can deliver heated and humidified air under pressure through a mask to the sufferer during sleep. The machine is light and portable, and most people quickly adjust to the awkwardness of the mask and the noise of the machine.

Surgical options for obstructive sleep apnea include palate implants, reducing the size of the tongue, procedures on the jaws, and surgery of the nasal passages.

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Central sleep apnea (CSA) is caused by irregularities in the brain’s normal signals to breathe. Some people with sleep apnea have a combination of both types.

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