There are three categories of sleep apnea. The most common is called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and occurs due to a physical blockage, usually the collapsing of the soft tissue in the back of the throat. Less common is central sleep apnea (CSA), in which breathing stops because the muscles involved don’t receive the proper signal from the brain. And some people suffer from “mixed” or “complex” sleep apnea, which is a combination of obstructive and central.

Risk factors include obesity, smoking, drinking, use of sedatives or tranquilizers, and family history. Central sleep apnea strikes most often in people with heart disorders, neuromuscular disorders, strokes, or brain tumors. It is also more common in males.

Children can develop sleep apnea, although it’s far less common among children than adults. Children with larger-than-normal tonsils and adenoids are more likely to develop obstructive sleep apnea. Children with sleep apnea may also develop hyperactivity issues, resulting in poor school performance.

Home remedies for sleep apnea are predominantly linked to lifestyle changes. Some of the recommendations for people  with sleep apnea include: 

• Losing weight and maintaining a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI)
• Yoga 
• Changing your sleep position
• Using a humidifier
• Abstaining from alcohol and smoking
• Using oral appliances 
• Establishing a good sleep routine, eating healthy, and ensuring that the place where you sleep is comfortable and clean.

When the airway is constricted, there is a drop in oxygen supply which puts more stress on the heart. Over time this condition can weaken the heart muscles. Untreated Obstructive Sleep Apnea increases a person’s risk for high blood pressure, heart arrhythmia, diabetes, heart attack and stroke.