Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. The most common type, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat relax, causing the airway to narrow or completely close. This blockage leads to a drop in blood oxygen levels and a brief awakening to restore breathing. These cycles can happen dozens or even hundreds of times a night, preventing the individual from getting restorative deep sleep. Symptoms often include loud snoring, gasping for air during sleep, morning headaches, and excessive daytime fatigue. If left untreated, sleep apnea can increase the risk of serious health conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Diagnosis typically involves a sleep study, and treatment options range from lifestyle changes and oral appliances to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy.