Sleep apnea arises when the breathing mechanism gets obstructed or is unusually lessened. In uncomplicated language, rest apnea crops up when an individual discontinues inhaling and exhaling air for in excess of 10 seconds. If you suspend breathing absolutely or inhale not in excess of 25% of the regular breath for round about 10 seconds, you have a tendency to endure from apnea. Another popular definition of sleep apnea is that when there is almost a 4% fall from the blood oxygen level, it results in sudden decline in the transmission of oxygen inside the blood which in turn hinders regular breathing process.