While sleep apnea is recognized by loud snoring that can be frustrating to the sleeper's partner, it's actually a very serious condition. Frequently during the night, the individual can stop breathing. This happens in one of two ways: the throat muscles relax and the airway becomes obstructed or the brain fails to regulate breathing properly during sleep. In extreme cases, an individual can experience both of these conditions simultaneously and this is known as Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome. In mild cases, sleep apnea may be cured with lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking or losing weight. For more serious conditions, devices delivering positive airway pressure may have to be worn during sleep.Next
