The condition may be mild or severe depending on how many times the patient stops breathing each hour or each night. Patients may experience obstructive sleep apnea, which may be the more common type, or central sleep apnea.

Central sleep apnea may occur in patients who have suffered a stroke, heart failure or have a brain tumor or infection. Obstructive sleep apnea may be caused by obstructed or narrow airways in the mouth, nose or throat.

The airways may become relaxed when the tongue or throat relax as the patient falls asleep. Enlarged tonsils or an enlarged uvula may also cause obstructed sleep apnea. A problem with the jawbone may also cause sleep apnea.

Common symptoms of sleep apnea may include excessive fatigue or tiredness, waking up tired and waking up with a headache. A sleeping partner may notice that the patient stops breathing during sleep, snores loudly, gasps or chokes, and tosses and turns during sleep.

Children with sleep apnea may almost always snore, have trouble breathing during sleep and may be restless during sleeping or may wake up often. Children with sleep apnea, unlike adults with the condition, may not feel tired during the day. Children with sleep apnea, however, may grow slower than other children.

Treating sleep apnea may be done by changing lifestyle and sleeping habits. Sleep apnea may be more common in those who are overweight, so losing weight, if need be, may help treat the condition.

Sleeping on the side instead of the back may also be effective. Also, avoiding alcohol and sedatives before going to bed may be helpful as well. Some patients may sleep with a machine that helps them breath while asleep. Still, some patients may undergo surgery to treat sleep apnea. A health care professional may offer further advice or may recommend other treatments for sleep apnea.

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