What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?
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Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder that occurs when the muscles in your throat relax excessively during sleep, leading to a narrowing or blockage of the airway. This can result in brief pauses in breathing that happen multiple times throughout the night, disrupting your sleep and affecting your oxygen levels. Approximately 54 million adults in the United States are affected by OSA.
What are the signs and symptoms of OSA?
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Symptoms vary significantly among individuals, and not everyone will experience all of them. Common signs include: loud snoring, breathing interruptions during sleep, daytime fatigue, morning headaches, concentration issues, mood changes, restless sleep, dry mouth or sore throat, nocturia, and reduced sexual interest. If you think you or someone you know might have OSA, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.
Why is it important to address OSA?
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Failing to treat OSA can lead to ongoing fatigue, frequent headaches, and cognitive difficulties. It also increases the risk of accidents due to daytime drowsiness. Moreover, untreated OSA is associated with several health complications such as high blood pressure, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, coronary artery disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
How does snoring differ from OSA?
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Snoring is typically caused by vibrations of relaxed throat tissues during sleep and may not necessarily require medical intervention. In contrast, OSA is a more severe condition marked by repeated interruptions in breathing that can lead to decreased oxygen levels and significant health risks. While snoring can indicate OSA, not everyone who snores suffers from this disorder.
What is an At-Home Sleep Test (AHST)?
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An At-Home Sleep Test (AHST) is a convenient device that you wear on your body while you sleep. It tracks vital signs necessary for diagnosing sleep apnea. After reviewing your results, we will provide you with your diagnosis and discuss any recommended treatment options.
