Sleep apnea is a disorder in which breathing is concisely and recurrently disturbed while an individual is sleeping. The word "apnea" refers to a breathing gap that lasts at least for ten seconds. 

To detect sleep apnea an assessment is carried out which often involves an overnight monitoring at a sleep center that observes the patient’s breathing and other body functions during their sleep. Certain tests to detect sleep apnea include:

Nocturnal Polysomnography: During this test, the patient is connected to equipment that monitors their breathing patterns; heart, lung and brain activity; arm and leg movements; and blood oxygen levels while the patient is sleeping.

Home sleep tests: The patient can also use a home sleep test to detect sleep apnea. The doctor may provide you a simpler test that will be able measure the patient’s heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and breathing patterns.

If the result of the test is not normal, the doctor will prescribe a therapy to treat the sleeping disorder. In case, the apnea is severe, the doctor might recommend surgery to open up any blocked passage in that is obstructing the patient’s breathing.

Therapies

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): CPAP is a machine that provides a suitable air pressure through a mask to the patient while he is sleeping. This is advised to an individual who is suffering from moderate to severe sleep apnea. The air pressure provided to the patient is greater with the help of CPAP which avoids blockage of the upper airway passages, thus prevents apnea and snoring during sleep.

Other airway pressure devices: If a patient finds using a CPAP uncomfortable, he can use a different kind of airway pressure device that automatically regulates the pressure (auto-CPAP) while the patient is sleeping. Bi-Level Positive Airway Pressure (BPAP) can also be used; this machine provides more pressure when you inhale and less when you exhale.

Oral appliances:  An oral appliance is designed in a way that let the patient keep their throat open. These appliances are much easier to use.

If you doubt that you are suffering from sleep apnea or any other sleep disorder, you should immediately consult a doctor and seek proper sleep disorder or sleep apnea treatment.