Obstructive Sleep Apnea

What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive Sleep Apnea or OSA occurs during sleep when the body’s muscles relax, allowing the tongue to fall back, blocking the throat and reducing air to the lungs.

The brain panics, raises blood pressure and triggers internal “alarms” to start breathing, often with a gasp or snort commonly known as snoring. The brain goes back to sleep and the obstruction cycle happens again. The more often you obstruct, the more your airway is blocked and the heart is stressed.

Snoring may be the sign of a more serious health problem or Sleep Breathing Disorder

It is believed that over 50% of people snore. Heavy snoring that disrupts sleep can be a serious problem. Snoring may be a sign of a more life-threatening condition or Sleep Breathing Disorder that indicates you are struggling for air.

SYMPTOMS AND NEGATIVE EFFECTS 

Snoring –  Intermittent Pauses in Breathing During Sleep –  Abrupt Awakenings with Shortness of Breath – Restless Sleeper – Night Sweats – Frequent Nighttime Urination –  Headaches – Neck aches – Dry Mouth or Throat – Excessive Fatigue – Grinding of Teeth – Jaw (TMJ) Pain or Clicking –  Daytime Sleepiness – Difficulty Concentrating – High Blood Pressure – Heart Racing and Arrhythmias – Diabetes – Heart Attack –  Stroke

Download our Free PDF on the Top 10 Common Symptoms of Sleep Disordered Breathing in Children here.  In addition, if you would like a Visual Key To Pediatric Sleep Breathing Disorders please click here.

 

Not every person who snores suffers from Sleep Apnea, but if you consistently experience any of the symptoms above, you should be evaluated. A comprehensive sleep evaluation may be necessary.