Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep. These pauses can last for a few seconds to minutes, and they can occur dozens of times per hour. Sleep apnea can disrupt sleep and cause a number of health problems, including daytime sleepiness, high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. There are a number of different treatment options available for sleep apnea. The best treatment for you will depend on the severity of your condition and your individual needs.