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Sleep apnea describes episodes of not breathing for a period of time that can last more than 10 seconds while sleeping. For some individuals, sleep apnea episodes can occur hundreds of times per night, which results in a greatly diminished and profoundly affected sleep cycle. During these periods of not breathing, levels of oxygen can plummet to dangerously low levels and result in irregular heartbeats and even death. Individuals with sleep apnea are also more prone to heart attacks and strokes. Since studies often estimate that more than 20 million Americans suffer from some degree of sleep apnea, it is a concern that should not be dismissed.

There are two basic types of sleep apnea: central sleep apnea and obstructive sleep apnea. Central sleep apnea occurs in about 10 percent of patients and is due to the brain failing to cause muscles used in breathing to respond properly while sleeping. When reaching dangerously low oxygen levels, your brain causes you to wake up and breathe, which is a cycle repeated throughout the night.

The more common type of sleep apnea is called obstructive sleep apnea. This refers to the airway becoming obstructed by the tongue, tonsils, uvula, or even fat tissue in the neck, which can result in the cutting off of airflow and the resulting snoring.

Not surprising then that about 95 percent of individuals who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea or overweight or obese. Many have large necks. The cycle of snoring and awakening can lead to exhaustion, morning headaches, low energy, shortness of breath, and body pains — not even referencing the sleep disruption it causes to a spouse or anyone living in the same house as the person with the affliction.

Weight loss is the single most effective solution to treating sleep apnea. Getting your body back to a healthy weight through proper food consumption and exercise can allow you to sleep more effectively and as a result feel and look better throughout the awakening hours. Other solutions can be to avoid alcohol, sedatives, and certain medications (although you should consult with your doctor before making any change to your prescriptions).

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