Sleep apnea is a chronic medical condition where the affected person repeatedly stops breathing during sleep. These episodes last 10 seconds or more and cause oxygen levels in the blood to drop. It can be caused by obstruction of the upper airway, resulting in obstructive sleep apnea, or by a failure of the brain to initiate a breath, called central sleep apnea. It can cause and worsen other medical conditions, including hypertension, heart failure, and diabetes.

Most sufferers aren’t even aware that they have sleep apnea. More often than not it is the partner who discovers the problem. Those that tend to snore loudly are at higher risk for sleep apnea. If you notice your bed partner or roommate has erratic breathing patterns, you should notify them. While sleeping, obstructive sleep apnea sufferers often sound like they are trying to breathe, but something is blocking the airway. If you look at them while this is occurring, you’ll see that they are attempting to inhale, but no air is passing through. After awhile some air will manage to force its way through and they resume breathing again. This not only affects their oxygen levels but also disrupts their sleep patterns and often prevents them from achieving the deepest levels of sleep.

If you suspect or have been told that you may have sleep apnea, then it’s in your best interest to see a doctor about it. Long term side effects include high blood pressure, depression, irritability, sexual dysfunction, learning and memory difficulties, and falling asleep at work.