What is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)?
Sleep helps restore and recharge you every night. However, for someone with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), that restful process is interrupted. The airway—usually open and relaxed—becomes partially or completely blocked while sleeping.
Breathing pauses suddenly, sometimes for 10 seconds or more. When the brain senses the drop in oxygen, it awakens your body, even if it’s so brief you don’t remember it. These repeated apneic attacks can happen dozens or even hundreds of times each night, leaving you exhausted or foggy despite a full night’s sleep.
How do I know I have sleep apnea?
Do you think your snoring might be more than just noise? It could be a symptom of sleep apnea, but not always. Believe it or not, some people with OSA don’t snore at all. Here are other warning signs of sleep apnea.
- Morning headaches
- Waking up with a sore or dry throat
- Irritability and mood changes
- Gasping or choking for air when sleeping
- Insomnia or restlessness during sleep
- Reduced sex drive
- Poor concentration
- Daytime fatigue and sleepiness
Sleep apnea doesn’t just disrupt your sleep—it has far-reaching effects on your overall health. Untreated sleep apnea is linked to stroke, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, and other systemic illnesses. If you think you have sleep apnea, see a sleep physician for a formal diagnosis. Take action now to prevent irreversible health complications.
