What is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (also known as OSA) is a condition in which an individual
experiences pauses in their breathing during sleep. It’s caused by the soft tissue
(and can include the tongue) at the back of the throat collapsing and restricting
or completely blocking air movement.
What causes sleep apnea?
A combination of factors typically causes sleep apnea. It can be a result of physical
characteristics (e.g. enlarged tonsils or tongue), lifestyle habits such as smoking or
alcohol consumption, and medical conditions including obesity or diabetes.
While sleep apnea can affect anyone, regardless of gender or age, there are certain
factors believed to increase the risk of developing the condition, including:
- Being over the age of 40
- Being obese or overweight
- Having a large neck size (43 cm or more in men and 40.5 cm or more in women)
- Having a family history of sleep apnea
- Smoking, drinking alcohol and/or taking sedatives
- Having chronic allergies or a deviated septum
- Medical conditions including congestive heart failure, type 2 diabetes, hormonal disorders, chronic lung diseases and high blood pressure
What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?
A person whose sleep is impacted by sleep apnea may experience some of the
following symptoms and side effects:
- loud snoring
- gasping for air during sleep
- episodes of not breathing during sleep
- morning headaches
- awakening with a dry mouth or sore throat
- excessive daytime fatigue (referred to as hypersomnia)
- lack of concentration and difficulty maintaining attention
- memory problems
- irritability and mood swings
