Medicinal Action

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Sleep apnea

Sleep apnea is a condition in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, leading to poor sleep quality and health complications. There are two primary types of sleep apnea:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): This is the most common type and occurs when the throat muscles intermittently relax and block the airway, often due to factors like obesity, relaxed soft tissue, or enlarged tonsils. It is typically accompanied by snoring, gasping, or choking during sleep.
Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): This type occurs when the brain fails to send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. It is less common and can be associated with neurological conditions or issues affecting the brainstem.
Risk factors for sleep apnea include excess weight, age, family history, smoking, and medical conditions such as heart disorders or use of sedative medications. Symptoms often include loud snoring, episodes of stopped breathing, gasping for air during sleep, and excessive daytime sleepiness due to interrupted sleep cycles.

Understanding the underlying causes and risk factors is essential for addressing sleep apnea and improving overall sleep health. Treatment approaches typically involve lifestyle adjustments and medical devices to keep the airways open.

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