1. Sleep Apnea

2. Main Symptoms Difficulty or inability to breathe regularly when sleeping Each episode of lack-of-breath is called an apnea The individual in question is usually unaware of his condition, and sleep apnea can go unnoticed for years before diagnosis

3. Obstructive Sleep Apnea Most common form of sleep apnea When the airway is physically blocked or collapsed during sleep Air that is able to squeeze past through emits a snoring sound Correlation between cases of obstructive sleep apnea and obesity is quite apparent

4. Central Sleep Apnea A less common form of sleep apnea; often coexists with obstructive sleep apnea, but can exist by itself When the brain fails to send adequate signals to the breathing muscles during sleep Central sleep apnea hardly induces snoring. Complex sleep apnea: combination of both obstructive and central sleep apnea

5. Physiological effects Neurological excitement – a 3-second increase in EEG frequency Blood oxygen desaturation by 3% Consequent symptoms in the aftermath (sequelae) – fatigue, sleepiness in the daytime