Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is the most common type and is caused by a blockage of the airway, usually when the soft tissue in the back of the throat collapses during sleep. The blockage may cause shallow breathing or breathing pauses. When one tries to breathe, air squeezes past the blockage and can cause loud snoring. Obstructive sleep apnea happens more often in people who are overweight but can affect anyone.
Attribution: Straight Talk Foundation