Sleep apnea means that a person stops breathing while sleeping. In rare cases, this may be because the brain is not signaling to breathe. This phenomenon is known as central sleep apnea. But much more common is obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, in which a mechanical blockage occurs in the airways that prevents air from entering the lungs.
Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is very common. It affects approximately 13% of men and 6% of women. This disease mostly occurs in the elderly but can also affect children.
Obesity is considered the most important risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep apnea also affects men more often than women.
People with obstructive sleep apnea often feel sleepy during the day. Sometimes they experience a feeling of suffocation or shortness of breath at night. Resonating the soft tissue at the back of the throat can cause inflammation or irritation. As a result, people wake up with a sore throat or dry mouth.
Those suffering from obstructive sleep apnea may often wake up at night to pee and gain weight due to a strong appetite.
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Source: Ferra
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