Sleep apnea is a common disorder that can be very serious. It characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep. These pauses can occur 20 to 30 times or more an hour, while each pause typically lasts 10 to 20 seconds or more. Sleep apnea occurs in all age groups and both sexes but is more common in men and in overweight people.

The most common signs of sleep apnea are:

• Loud snoring
• Choking or gasping during sleep
• Sleepiness during the day

Early recognition and treatment of sleep apnea is important because it may be associated with irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke. Untreated sleep apnea can also increase the risk of diabetes and the risk for work-related accidents and driving accidents.

Sleep apnea is diagnosed with an overnight sleep test called a polysomnogram. These tests are used both to diagnose sleep apnea and to determine its severity.

For people with mild sleep apnea, some changes in daily activities or habits may be all that are needed: avoiding alcohol, smoking, and medicines that make sleepy, weight loss, sleeping on the side instead of back.

The most common treatment for people with moderate sleep apnea is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Nasal CPAP uses a mask-like device and pump that work together to keep the airway open with air pressure during each inspiration.

Some people with sleep apnea may benefit from surgery. For children with sleep apnea surgery may be done to remove the tonsils and adenoids if they are blocking the airway. Tracheostomy is a surgery used in severe, life-threatening sleep apnea. In this procedure, a small hole is made in the windpipe and a tube is inserted into the opening. This tube stays closed during waking hours and the person breathes and speaks normally. It is opened for sleep so that air flows directly into the lungs, bypassing any upper airway obstruction.

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