According to the Mayo Clinic, more than 12 million Americans suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Those who suffer from the condition start and stop breathing several times a night when their throat muscles relax and block their airways. OSA is the most frequently occurring form of sleep apnea compared to the far less common central sleep apnea, a condition in which the brain actually fails to signal muscles to breathe as a result of instability in the respiratory control center.
Symptoms of OSA
- Excessive sleepiness during the daytime (known as hypersomnia)
- Loud snoring
- Observed episodes of stopped breathing during sleep
- Abrupt awakenings while sleeping accompanied by a shortness of breath
- Waking with a sore throat and/or dry mouth
- Morning headaches
- Trouble staying asleep (known as insomnia)
Causes
OSA occurs when the muscles that support soft tissue in the throat relax. This causes the airway to narrow and close, and breathing is then momentarily restricted for approximately 10 to 20 seconds. This can lower the level of oxygen in the blood.
When the brain senses an inability to breathe, it briefly rouses you from your sleep so your airway can reopen. Often, this episode is not memorable because it only lasts for a brief moment.
Risks for Developing OSA
OSA can affect anyone, but certain people may be at a higher risk, such as: Read more
