Snoring

Causes & Prevention

Types and Causes of Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a period of reduced or no breathing. This period must be 10 seconds or more for the period to be defined as apnea. Hypopnea is defined by a reduction in the normal airflow. Oxygen is usually reduced by 4% or more for either apnea or hypopnea. Therefore, there are health implications, due to the significant decrease in oxygen with both apnea and hypopnea. The formal diagnosis of sleep apnea is when there are 15 or more periods in an hour. NOTE: In some patients who are already at high risk of health consequences, this number may be lowered.

What is Sleep Apnea and what causes it?

Obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea, and complex complex sleep apnea are defined in detail, and yes, men do snore (one of the possible signs of sleep apnea) more than women.

What Does It Mean When Medical Experts Say "Race" Is A Risk Factor For Certain Diseases?

Editor's Note:

"Race" is sometimes mentioned as a risk factor in the development of certain cancers and a number of other diseases. When you read this in a discussion about an illness, note that the explanation seldom refers to anything biological. Instead, it usually refers to behavior, such as eating habits. The kinds of behavior usually mentioned as risk factors are culturally determined. They are not genetic or biological.