Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is a disorder in which breathing is briefly and repeatedly interrupted during sleep. The "apnea" in sleep apnea refers to a breathing pause that lasts at least ten seconds. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat fail to keep the airway open, despite efforts to breathe.

More than 18 million American adults have sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea can cause fragmented sleep and low blood oxygen levels. The combination of disturbed sleep and oxygen starvation may lead to hypertension, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, mood and memory problems. Sleep apnea also increases the risk of automobile crashes. Sleep apnea can be life-threatening and you should consult your doctor immediately if you feel you suffer from it.

Symptoms: Chronic snoring, gasping for breath during sleep, pauses in respiration during sleep, daytime drowsiness, morning headaches, forgetfulnes, irritability, depression and frequent need to urinate during the night.