Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
Sleep apnea, known as obstructive sleep apnea
(OSA), is more common in the U.S. than asthma
or diabetes. Generally, the disorder strikes men
more often than women and it progressively worsens
with age and increased weight. Basically, during
sleep, relaxed muscle activity leads to a closing
of the throat and airway, which forces sufferers
to take in a deep breath of air and awakens them.
This cycle repeats throughout the night, preventing
the individual from getting a restful, deep sleep.
Clinical signs and symptoms of OSA include:
- Intermittent snoring with pauses
- Awakenings with gasping or choking
- Gastro-esophageal reflux (GERD)
- Fragmented, non-refreshing, light sleep
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Poor memory and/or clouded intellect
- Irritability
- Morning headaches
- Decreased sex drive or impotence
Leading risk factors for OSA are obesity, increasing
age, male gender, anatomic abnormalities of the
upper airway, a family history of sleep apnea,
alcohol or sedative use, smoking and hypertension.
Learn about Diagnosis and
Treatment of Sleep Apnea
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