There are different sleeping disorders that prevent us from getting good quality sleep. One of the most common that doctors see, is sleep apnea. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, roughly 18 million Americans have it.
Dr. Jose Colon at the Sleep Disorder Center says, "Normally, we have plenty of room for the airways to flow as we are breathing particularly when we are awake. but when we're asleep, our airways has the tendency to have some collapsibility, and that's an obstruction, and they may stop breathing or apnea, or obstructive sleep apnea." That may explain the snoring. Colon at the sleep disorder center says some patients end up gasping for a breath. Other cases can be severe, even deadly so diagnosis is important. Doctors might recommend a CPAP. Colon says, "Through the machine, it generates pressure that opens up the airways and keeps it from collapsing."
One study reports sleep apnea is especially high in middle-aged men, with nearly half of men aged 30 to 60 suffering from the disorder. That same study also reports sleep apnea risks increase for women after menopause.
