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Sleep Health

Sleep Apnea

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What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder where your breathing is repeatedly interrupted or blocked during sleep. This happens because the muscles in the throat relax excessively, leading to a temporary blockage of the airway.

  • Your body compensates by waking you up multiple times a night to find a better sleeping position so you can get oxygen into your lungs.
  • Individuals with OSA often snore loudly, have observed episodes of stopped breathing during sleep, and may experience daytime sleepiness.
  • If left untreated, it can impact overall health, including cardiovascular issues.

Do I Have Sleep Apnea?

You or your partner may notice the following symptoms:

  • Loud snoring
  • Gasping or choking during sleep
  • Waking up with a dry mouth
  • Feeling tired after a full night’s sleep
  • Morning headaches
  • Excessive daytime sleepiness
  • Irritability
  • Difficulty staying asleep
  • Difficulty with attention/concentration during the day

Types of Sleep Apnea

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

OSA or Obstructive Sleep Apnea occurs when a person’s airway becomes partially or completely blocked during sleep. This is the most common type of sleep apnea. It can be caused by obesity, smoking, wider neck circumference, narrow airway, nasal congestion, and having OSA in one’s family history.

Central Sleep Apnea

CSA or Central Sleep Apnea occurs when a person’s brain doesn’t send the proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. This type can be caused by heart failure, stroke, certain pain medications, and brain injuries.

Complex Sleep Apnea

CompSAS or Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome is when someone has a combination of OSA and CSA.

Do you think you or someone you know may have OSA? Take the Epworth Sleepiness Quiz.

More than just feeling tired, how likely are you to actually nod off or fall asleep in the following situations? 

  • 0 – Would never nod off
  • 1 – Slight chance of nodding off
  • 2 – Moderate chance of nodding off
  • 3 – High chance of nodding off

How does a PAP Machine work?

A PAP machine helps with OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea) by blowing a stream of air into your airway through a mask.

The constant air pressure acts like a splint to keep the throat and airway from closing during sleep – this prevents interruptions in your breathing.

A new PAP machine will help you breathe more easily and have a better night’s sleep.

Have you been diagnosed? Here’s how to prepare and what to expect.