Apnea typically takes place when a person is doing what?

Apnea is a condition characterized by pauses in breathing or shallow breaths. It is most commonly associated with sleep, specifically during sleep apnea, where breathing stops and starts repeatedly during sleep. This phenomenon can occur when a person is relaxed and lying down, leading to obstructions in the airway or changes in the body’s natural respiratory patterns.

During sleep, particularly in individuals with specific risk factors such as obesity or anatomical issues, the muscles in the throat may relax excessively, causing temporary blockages and leading to apnea episodes. While apnea can have other associations, such as with certain medical conditions or life-threatening scenarios, it is predominantly recognized in the context of sleep.