Sleep apnea is a type of breathing disorder which is a serious, potentially life-threatening condition characterized by brief interruptions of breathing, or snoring, during sleep. Snoring occurs when there is a partial obstruction of the airway which causes the palatal tissues to vibrate. Obstructive apnea occurs when the airway is completely blocked for certain periods of time. The condition normally impacts middle-aged men and women, but it can occur in children too. Sleep apnea poses a significant health risk for the patient in that it can lead to irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, heart attacks and strokes.
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