Keeping the air passages open during sleep is critical to normal breathing. Smooth, unobstructed breathing is key to getting a restful night’s sleep. As you breathe, air passes through the nose and mouth and inward into your lungs, moving past the soft palate, uvula, tonsils and tongue.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition that causes the soft tissues in the back of the throat to obstruct the flow of air from reaching the lungs. Airway blockage can decrease the oxygen content that reaches your lungs, and ultimately the brain and the rest of the body. When there is an obstruction of airway passage from reaching the lungs, the brain sends a signal to the muscles at the back of the throat and soft palate (back of the mouth) to unblock the airway. This typically results in snoring or snorting sound, or snoring. Periodic events such as these may cause a disruption of sleep and may potentially cause other severe maladies.
Disrupted sleep at night is associated with daytime sleepiness, inability to concentrate, impaired driving capability, mood changes and daytime fatigue. Inadequate amount of oxygenation due to airway obstruction is also associated with high blood pressure and cardiac arrythmias. Occasionally, obstructive sleep apnea is also associated with stroke and heart attacks.
Common Signs and Symptoms
- Morning headaches
- Snoring
- Awakening from sleep coughing, gasping or choking/witnessed by bed partner
- Poor memory or concentration
- Frequent awakenings
- Frequent bathroom breaks
- High blood pressure
- Anxiety or depression
- Frequent napping or fatigue during the day
Health Problems associated with Sleep Apnea:
- Insulin resistance or Diabetes
- Heart attack or Arrhythmias
- Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
- Stroke
- Mental health disorders
- Various chronic pain disorders
- Sexual dysfunction