What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

The most common kind of sleep apnea is called Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome. Sleep apnea means "cessation of breath." It is characterized by repetitive episodes of upper airway obstruction that occur during sleep, usually associated with a reduction in blood oxygen saturation. In other words, the airway becomes obstructed at several possible sites. The upper airway can be obstructed by excess tissue in the airway, large tonsils, a large tongue and usually includes the airway muscles relaxing and collapsing when asleep. Another site of obstruction can be the nasal passages. Sometimes the structure of the jaw and airway can be a factor in sleep apnea.

What are the symptoms?

• excessive daytime sleepiness
• frequent episodes of obstructed breathing during sleep. (The patient may be unaware of this symptom -- usually the bed partner is extremely aware of this).

• loud snoring
• morning headaches
• unrefreshing sleep
• a dry mouth upon awakening
• chest retraction during sleep in young children (chest pulls in)
• high blood pressure
• overweight
• irritability
• change in personality
• depression
• difficulty concentrating
• excessive perspiring during sleep
• heartburn
• reduced libido
• insomnia
• frequent nocturnal urination (nocturia)
• restless sleep
• nocturnal snorting, gasping, choking (may wake self up)
• rapid weight gain
• confusion upon awakening