Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder in which breathing stops and starts repeatedly. This leads to reduced oxygen supply to the brain and body.

Types of sleep apnea are:
Obstructive sleep apnea- caused due to blockage in the airways
Central sleep apnea- caused when the signals between brain and the muscles that control breathing get affected.
Complex sleep apnea syndrome- caused when a person suffers from both obstructive and central sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea can occur in people belonging to any age group. However, it is common among middle-aged people and people in young adulthood. Men are usually affected more than women.

Some of the risk factors of sleep apnea include:
Smoking
A thick neck (people with a thick neck have a narrower airway)
Nasal congestion
Being male
Family history of sleep apnea
A large tongue or large tonsils
Age over 40 years
Excess weight

Sleep apnea can lead to different health complications like fatigue during the day, accidents while driving, headache, liver problems, or heart diseases if left untreated. It is a common cause of fatigue and drowsiness during the day.