The term “pauses in breathing” is simply used to describe a brief occurrence in which respiration stops. Most often attributed to Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), these breathing pauses typically last between 10 to 20 seconds. They can occur up to hundreds of times a night, jolting you out of your natural sleep rhythm. As a consequence, you spend more time in light sleep and less time in the deep, restorative sleep you need to be energetic, mentally sharp, and productive the next day.