Sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) is a condition presenting with many pauses in breathing while a person is asleep. The condition was first described in the literature by Dickens in the Pickwick Papers and hence sometimes referred to as the Pickwickian syndrome.

A person has SAS if he stops breathing 5 or more times in 1 hour while asleep. Or, if he stops breathing 30 or more times during a 6-hour sleep period.

In the central variety, the airways stay open, while the chest muscles and diaphragm stop working. This occurs mostly when the respiratory centers within the brain are impaired (as happens with drugs like heroin, and other opiates).

Premature children, persons on tranquilizers are more prone to CSAS. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common category of sleep-disordered breathing. When sleeping, the muscle tone of the throat and neck, as well as the vast majority of all skeletal muscles, is reduced allowing the tongue and soft palate/oropharynx to relax. In the case of sleep apnea, this impedes the flow of air to a degree ranging from light snoring to complete collapse.

Sleep Deprivation due to Sleep Apnea and insufficient sleep are common and can present as insomnia, narcolepsy, or idiopathic hypersomnia (increased sleepiness). In infants and children sleep problems commonly present themselves as ADD or ADHD.

Lifestyle changes, such as avoiding alcohol and medications that relax the central nervous system (for example, sedatives and muscle relaxants), losing weight, and quitting smoking are implemented.