So what is sleep apnea? It is a complex condition, but a basic sleep apnea definition is: a sleep disorder in which breathing is interrupted or abnormally low.

The most common type of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea, in which the muscles of the tongue and throat relax backwards into the airway space, obstructing the passage of air to the lungs. As oxygen levels to the brain decrease you partially awaken, often with a gasp as the airflow recommences. This cycle occurs many times throughout the night, in some patients as often as once every two minutes.

The sleep apnea / snoring combination is well established in the scientific literature, with about 60% of regular snorers also suffering from obstructive sleep apnea. Other symptoms of sleep apnea include insomnia, teeth grinding, morning headaches, irritability, clumsiness, poor memory, mental health problems, and reflux.

The effects of sleep apnea may be profound and long-lasting. As well as day-to-day fatigue and poor mental and physical performance, evidence shows that sleep apnea causes or contributes to problems like high blood pressure and increased risk of diabetes, heart disease and stroke.

In many cases, sleep apnea goes undiagnosed for years or decades. Patients and their partners are often amazed at the difference that results from simple, effective treatment: suddenly, a good night’s sleep is more than just a daydream.