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.

The symptoms of OSA can vary significantly among individuals, and not everyone will experience all of them. If you think you or someone you know might have OSA, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Common signs and symptoms include:
Loud Snoring: Persistent and disruptive snoring is often a key sign of OSA.
Breathing Interruptions: Episodes where breathing stops temporarily during sleep, often accompanied by gasping or choking sounds.
Daytime Fatigue: Experiencing excessive tiredness during the day, even after what seems like a full night’s rest.
Morning Headaches: Waking up with headaches, which may be linked to low oxygen levels during sleep.
Concentration Issues: Difficulty focusing, memory problems, and feeling less alert throughout the day.
Mood Changes: Increased irritability and emotional sensitivity.
Restless Sleep: Frequent movements or waking up multiple times during the night.
Dry Mouth or Sore Throat: Waking up with dryness in the mouth or throat may indicate airway obstruction during sleep.
Nocturia: The need to urinate frequently at night.
Reduced Sexual Interest: A decline in libido or interest in sexual activities.

Failing to treat OSA can lead to various serious health issues, including ongoing fatigue, frequent headaches upon waking, 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.

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.

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.