Overview

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a common sleep-related breathing disorder in which the upper airway repeatedly becomes partially or completely blocked during sleep. These interruptions cause breathing to stop and start multiple times throughout the night, leading to poor sleep quality and reduced oxygen levels. OSA can affect both adults and children and is associated with significant health risks if left untreated.

Symptoms

Symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea often occur during sleep and may be noticed by a bed partner, while others are experienced during the day:

  • Loud, chronic snoring

  • Episodes of breathing cessation during sleep

  • Gasping or choking during sleep

  • Excessive daytime sleepiness

  • Morning headaches

  • Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking

  • Difficulty concentrating or memory problems

  • Irritability or mood changes

Causes

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the muscles supporting the soft tissues of the throat relax excessively during sleep, narrowing or blocking the airway. Contributing causes include:

  • Excess tissue in the throat or neck

  • Enlarged tonsils or adenoids, especially in children

  • Structural abnormalities of the jaw or airway

  • Obesity leading to fat deposits around the upper airway

  • Nasal congestion or obstruction

  • Relaxation of throat muscles due to alcohol or sedative use

Risk Factors

Several factors increase the risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea:

  • Overweight or obesity

  • Male gender

  • Increasing age

  • Family history of sleep apnea

  • Smoking

  • Alcohol or sedative use

  • Chronic nasal congestion

  • Medical conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes

Complications

Untreated obstructive sleep apnea can lead to serious health complications:

  • High blood pressure

  • Heart disease and heart attack

  • Stroke

  • Type 2 diabetes

  • Irregular heart rhythms

  • Daytime accidents due to fatigue

  • Poor work or academic performance

  • Reduced quality of life

Prevention

Preventive strategies aim to reduce risk factors and improve sleep quality:

  • Maintaining a healthy body weight

  • Engaging in regular physical activity

  • Avoiding alcohol and sedatives before bedtime

  • Sleeping on the side rather than the back

  • Treating nasal congestion promptly

  • Following recommended sleep hygiene practices

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