Sleep apnea is a potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts. It's more common in men. Risk factors include age and obesity. Symptoms include snoring loudly and feeling tired even after a full night's sleep.
In adults, the most common cause of obstructive sleep apnea is excess weight and obesity, which is associated with the soft tissue of the mouth and throat. During sleep, when throat and tongue muscles are more relaxed, this soft tissue can cause the airway to become blocked.
Treatment often includes lifestyle changes, such as weight loss and the use of a breathing assistance device at night, such as a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine.
