Understanding Sleep Disorders: What You Should Know

Sleep apnea is a serious condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide, including President Joe Biden. It is characterized by temporary pauses in breathing that last for 10 seconds or more. Experts emphasize the importance of raising awareness about sleep disorders and their potential consequences.

Obstructive sleep apnea, the most common form of the condition, occurs when the airways are partially or completely blocked by relaxed or weak soft tissues. This differs from central sleep apnea, where the brain fails to signal the body to breathe intermittently. It is estimated that at least 25 million American adults and 936 million adults aged 30 to 69 globally suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, with many cases going undiagnosed.