What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?
Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common form of sleep apnea. It is characterized by frequent pauses in breathing while asleep, and occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat relax, blocking the airway. The most obvious and common sign sleep apnea is loud snoring; however not everyone who snores is diagnosed with OSA.
What are the symptoms of OSA?
Often the first signs of OSA such as snoring or grasping for air during sleep, are recognized not by the patient, but by the bed partner. However, there are other key signs and symptoms to be aware of, including:
- Daytime sleepiness or fatigue
- Restlessness during sleep
- Dry mouth or sore throat upon awakening
- Intellectual impairment, trouble concentrating, forgetfulness, irritability, anxiety, mood instability
- Night sweats
- Sexual dysfunctions
- Headaches
Health risks associated with OSA
Obstructive sleep apnea is seen in all age groups, but the frequency and risks increase with age and obesity. Patients who don’t properly treat their sleep apnea have an increased risk of vehicular accidents, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression, stroke and more.