Sleep apnea

Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder characterized by repeated pauses in breathing during sleep causing one to snore loudly or create choking noises while trying to breathe.

It is primarily caused by the relaxation of throat muscles, leading to a temporary blockage of the airway during sleep.

Sleep apnea can also affect the quality of your sleep, leading to excessive daytime fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and irritability. The other symptoms include loud snoring, choking or gasping during sleep, and waking up with a headache, or dry mouth. 

It can affect people of all ages, including children, but it is more common in middle-aged and older individuals. Other risk factors include obesity, nasal congestion, and excessive tissue in the throat.

The main treatments for sleep apnea include using a machine called continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), wearing oral appliances, and making lifestyle changes such as losing weight and avoiding alcohol and smoking.