Sleep Apnea is characterized by repeated episodes of partial or complete upper respiratory tract airway obstruction during sleep, commonly associated with decreased levels of oxygen in the blood. The attack usually terminates by arousal from sleep, resulting in daytime sleepiness.
It is also called as Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome or Obstructive Sleep Apnea Hypopnoea Syndrome.
It is more common in men than women especially in obese persons
It affects all the age groups including children but most commonly occurs after the age of 40 years.
