Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common disorder in which your breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. This happens because the airway collapses, blocking the flow of air. The word “apnea” comes from the Greek words meaning “without breathe.”
The most common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea is snoring. However, not everyone who snores has OSA. Other signs and symptoms may include:
- Feeling very tired or fatigued during the day
- Falling asleep when you are active or driving
- Irritability or depression
- Memory problems or difficulty concentrating
- Headaches in the morning
OSA is caused by a blockage of airflow due to certain physical characteristics, such as being overweight, having a large tongue, or having a small jaw. It can also be caused by conditions that cause your throat to narrow, such as nasal congestion or allergies.
Treatment for obstructive sleep apnea may include lifestyle changes, mouthpieces, breathing devices, and surgery. The most common treatment is the use of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine during sleep. This device delivers air pressure through a mask that you wear while sleeping to keep your airways open.
In summary, obstructive sleep apnea refers to episodes where breathing stops and starts repeatedly during sleep due to an obstruction in the airway. It can cause daytime fatigue, irritability, headaches, and memory problems. Treatment options include lifestyle changes, mouthpieces, breathing devices, and surgery.