## Why is it an issue? Many people who snore loudly consider it the norm. However, snoring is an indicator that air is moving through the airways in the wrong pathway, thereby making it difficult to deliver oxygen. Instead of resting, the body struggles to restore normal breathing. Sleep apnea seriously affects one's quality of life, as one feels tired all the time and wants to sleep. If untreated, apnea will lead to metabolic disorders in the body's cells and provoke the development of type 2 diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and chronic respiratory pathologies. > Obstructive sleep apnea, a blockage of the airway due to relaxation of the muscles of the neck, pharynx, nasopharynx, tongue, and sagging soft palate, is the most common. ## Who is at risk? Sleep apnea is experienced by both men and women regardless of age or body weight. However, it most often affects people who are overweight, have endocrine problems (such as thyroid dysfunction), or have unique individual features of the structure of the neck (thick and short) and nasopharynx. Even slight weight loss tends to alleviate the condition. Other risk factors include ===older age, use of alcohol, sleeping pills or tranquilizers, narrow airways, heredity, smoking, and nasal congestion. ## How do I know if it's apnea? If you have a headache when walking, often wake up due to coughing or lack of air, snore loudly in your sleep, are prone to depression or mood swings, suffer from bedwetting, suffer from weight gain, have certain features of the neck or nose structure, or feel constantly tired although you sleep enough, any of these are reasons to be checked for sleep apnea. Previously, this could only be done in a clinic, but now it is possible to conduct the examination at home. All you have to do is wear a special device at night and send the results to your doctor. ## What can help? There are different ways to combat sleep apnea. The most common method of treating obstructive sleep apnea in adults is a CPAP machine, which delivers a constant flow of air into the airway. Many CPAP users feel rejuvenated and full of energy after the first use of the machine. > The CPAP machine needs to be cleaned and disinfected regularly. Otherwise, germs, mold, allergens, and other pathogens will accumulate in it. Your dentist or orthodontist can provide you with a special mouth guard. The mouth guard is custom-made for you and adjusts the position of your lower jaw and tongue. It is placed in place before going to bed to keep your airway open while you sleep. The mouth guard can only be prescribed by a doctor and should not be used in cases of severe apnea. Sometimes surgery is required to get rid of sleep apnea. It may be indicated for a child with enlarged adenoids blocking the airways. Adults may need surgery because of anatomical features, such as a deviated septum.