In other cases, the brain fails to send the appropriate signal to breathe. In some people, restful sleep is interrupted when the throat muscles and tongue relax during sleep and partially block the airway. The problem can be even more severe for people who use alcohol, tobacco or sleeping pills. For many people with sleep apnea, their spouses are the first ones to suspect that something is wrong, usually from their heavy snoring and apparent struggle to breathe. Sleep apnea may also increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke.
Sleep apnea seems to run in some families.
If you suspect you have a sleep disorder, it is important to be evaluated by a doctor who can offer a choice of treatments. In some people sleeping on their side is all that is needed. Overweight people can benefit from losing weight. If appropriate, a doctor may suggest a mask which blows air or a dental appliance which repositions the lower jaw and tongue, or surgery may be recommended. Uninterrupted sleep is vital to good health and the quality of life.