According to a study published in the Journal of Thoracic Disease in 2015, 10% of all people are affected by obstructive sleep apnea. That figure rises for some population groups, like men, over-50s and overweight people. 

It’s actually a mechanical disorder, rather than an illness. When we go to sleep, our muscles relax; that's totally normal. But when it comes to people affected by apnea, the soft tissue at the back of the throat collapses, blocking the airway.

How long do these breathing pauses last? And how serious is the condition? How is sleep apnea usually detected? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions!

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A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance.

First broadcast: 21.06.2022

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