Do you wake up feeling unrefreshed despite spending the whole night in bed? Do you find yourself gasping for air during sleep? These could be common signs of sleep apnea, a sleep disorder affecting millions of Australians.

While seeking professional diagnosis and treatment is crucial for sleep apnea, simple lifestyle changes can significantly improve sleep quality and alleviate symptoms.

Understanding Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is when your breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. This can happen hundreds of times a night, disrupting your sleep cycle and preventing you from reaching deep, restorative sleep.

There are three main types of sleep apnea:

• Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common type, occurring when the upper airway becomes blocked during sleep.
• Central sleep apnea happens when the brain fails to send signals to the muscles responsible for breathing.
• Mixed sleep apnea is a combination of obstructive and central sleep apnea.

Common Signs of Sleep Apnea

While everyone experiences occasional sleep disturbances, some key signs might indicate sleep apnea: