Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a serious sleep disorder. It occurs because the soft tissues of the throat and tongue block the airway causing brief episodes of suffocation that can significantly decrease the body’s oxygen levels. OSA causes repeated awakenings throughout the night, thus disrupting the quality and quantity of sleep.
Symptoms of OSA
- Restless sleep
- Loud snoring
- Poor memory
- Excessive drowsiness during the day
- Impotence
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability
It is estimated that more than 20 million Americans experience OSA. OSA can cause significant health problems if not treated, including hypertension, stroke, heart attacks, depression, and muscle pain.
Treatment for OSA varies, depending on the severity. The most common treatment is the continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device. People with mild or moderate cases can be treated with oral appliance therapy.