Sleep apnea is a condition where your breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. These pauses can last seconds to minutes and happen dozens of times per hour, often without you knowing it's happening. The most common type is obstructive sleep apnea, where the airway physically collapses. Sleep apnea affects how rested you feel, your heart health, and your ability to function during the day—which is why recognizing symptoms and understanding treatment options matters.
These articles cover what sleep apnea actually is, how doctors diagnose it, what happens during a sleep study, and what treatment looks like. You'll learn about continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines and other options, how to manage the condition long-term, and what to expect when you talk to a doctor about sleep problems.