Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a chronic condition in which a person experiences shallow breathing and breathing pauses while sleeping. Breathing pauses can last for a few seconds up to minutes, and may occur 30 or more times in one hour. After a person begins breathing again after a pause, he or she may snort loudly. This snort is a major sign of sleep apnea.
Other signs and symptoms of sleep apnea include loud snoring, dry mouth when waking up, morning headaches, sleep deprivation and daytime tiredness.
Visit the medical library to learn more about sleep apnea.
Make an appointment with a Sleep Medicine Specialist
Tests used to diagnose sleep apnea include sleep tests and a nocturnal polysomnography
Devices like a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) can be used for treatment
Surgery is only recommended when a person does not respond to devices or appliances