Overview Sleep apnea is a very serious and dangerous sleep disorder for the human body. Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder when an individual repeatedly goes through a cycle of stopping and starting breathing (Harms, 2013). According to Myers (2011), 1 in 20 Americans suffer from sleep apnea (p. 92). Another interesting statistic is that approximately 50 million Americans suffer from respiratory ailments every night. In addition to this statement, this cycle can continue numerous times for at least forty seconds or even longer. When the brain suffers from a lack of oxygen for at least a minute, the skin and lips may take on a bluish color. When the brain senses that there is no oxygen, the sleeper suddenly wakes up and the muscles of the throat and tongue contract, allowing oxygen to progress into the lungs in cycles of aspirated breaths. Oxygen is restored to the blood, meaning everything returns to normal and the cycle continues repeatedly (Dement & Vaughan, 1999). Sleep apnea is dangerous and needs to be more recognized. Two Main Types of Sleep Apnea Obstructive Sleep Apnea This type of sleep apnea is the most common. Obstructive sleep apnea is the third major disorder identified (Dement & Vaughan, 1991). Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the throat muscles temporarily relax and block the airway in the throat during sleep. When a tongue and soft palate relax, the airway narrows. This concept can be very dangerous because the individual cannot breathe at times at a time. The most common sign of this type of sleep apnea is snoring. It is more common among middle-aged and older adults. It is also very common among obese individuals. Treatments for obstructive sleep apnea are the cause of death. We as people need to be more educated about different diseases and disorders because if we know more about something, then we can prevent the disorder from occurring. Sleep apnea is treatable, so there are ways to fix the problem. We must be self-realized enough to know the symptoms, risk factors, different treatment alternatives and surgeries, types of sleep apnea or even other diseases and disorders. Sleep apnea is becoming more and more common among Americans and we as people need to make a change. References Dement, W., & Vaughan, C. (1999). The promise of sleep. : Dolacorte Press.Harms, R. (2013, January 1). Sleep apnea. . Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinc.orgMyers, D. (2011). Main sleep disorders. Exploring psychology. : Kevin Feyen.Peretz, L. (2003). Restless Nights: Understanding Snoring and Sleep Apnea.: Books by Yadioth Ahoront.