Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a serious breathing disorder that occurs when relaxed muscles cause tissue in the back of the throat, nose, and mouth to block your airways during sleep. This can prevent breathing for 10 seconds or more, potentially dozens or even hundreds of times per night.
When your brain detects the interrupted oxygen flow, it jolts your body awake just enough to resume breathing. These constant interruptions prevent you from reaching the deep, restorative levels of REM sleep your body needs to function properly. Over time, untreated sleep apnea can contribute to serious health conditions including high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and mood disorders.
While snoring is common – affecting up to 50% of adults – loud, persistent snoring with frequent pauses in breathing is often a warning sign of sleep apnea. Many people with sleep apnea are unaware they have it, as the breathing interruptions occur during sleep. Often, it’s a bed partner who first notices the symptoms.
