In deep sleep, breathing can stop for a prolonged period of time (often more than 10 seconds). These periods of lack of breathing, or apneas, are followed by sudden attempts to breathe. During these attempts to breathe, a lighter stage of sleep is entered. This fragmented sleep is not restful, leading to excessive daytime drowsiness.
In normal conditions, the muscles of the upper part of the throat keep this passage open to allow air to flow into the lungs. These muscles usually relax during sleep, but the passage remains open enough to permit the flow of air. Some individuals have a narrower passage, and during sleep, relaxation of these muscles causes the passage to close, and air cannot get into the lungs. When complete blockage of the airway occurs, air cannot reach the lungs.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea:
- Loud snoring
- periods of not breathing
- awakening not rested in the morning
- abnormal daytime sleepiness, including falling asleep at inappropriate times
- morning headaches
- recent weight gain
- limited attention
- memory loss
- poor judgment
- personality changes
- high blood pressure