Causes include obesity (thick and short neck), enlarged tongue base, collapse of the soft palate when lying on the back, enlarged tonsils (common in children), and genetic factors. These issues can lead to obstruction of the upper airway, resulting in symptoms such as loud snoring, breathing pauses, and inadequate ventilation.

This condition can be detected through physiological indicators such as drops in blood oxygen levels accompanied by compensatory increases in heart rate, as well as frequent arousals or awakenings during sleep. It is considered a systemic disease.

Sleep quality is directly linked to physical and mental health as well as work performance and mental alertness. Insomnia is defined as a subjective perception of dissatisfaction with the duration and/or quality of sleep, despite having adequate sleep time and a suitable sleeping environment, which also affects daytime social functioning.