Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), also referred to simply as sleep apnea, the broader category under which it falls, is a sleeping disorder in which throat tissue collapses and obstructs the flow of air in the lungs. This is caused by the body's natural muscle attenuation process during sleep. It is the most common form of sleep apnea, affecting as many as 20% of adults, though many cases go undiagnosed.



The degree to which airflow is disrupted, and the amount of times this occurs in a typical night varies with each patient. Some patients experience only mild symptoms, often resulting in snoring, others suffer complete blockage resulting in sleep interruption, called neurological arousals. These may or may not cause complete awakening, but invariably result in sleep deprivation.

OSA can strike anyone, regardless of age or gender, and is a common side effect of obesity. The increased throat tissue in these individuals raises the likelihood of more severe blockage upon muscle relaxation.

Contrary to adults, OSA in children is most commonly found in those with slight builds, and is usually the result of tonsils or adenoids.

Signs that you may have OSA can include restless sleep, irritability, memory loss, depression, anxiety, and sudden mood changes. Detection in children is most commonly based on extremes in energy level, be it excessive tiredness, or extreme hyper behaviour. The most universal and easily detectable sign of OSA in adults is snoring, a direct result of the decreased air circulation through the lungs. It should be noted that snoring is only a possible precursor to OSA, and some snoring may be completely unrelated to OSA.

If you think you may have OSA, you should contact a local sleep clinic and schedule an overnight sleep study to have your condition evaluated. OSA is a serious condition that can be potentially life threatening in the most serious instances, and should not be left undiagnosed.

Your overnight stay will be monitored by a sleep technician, and is conducted with a polysomnogram test, whereby sensors are attached to various parts of the body to aid in detecting any sleep abnormalities. This can be anything from snoring, apneas and arousals, to body position and leg movements.

Based on the results of this test, your doctor or the sleep technician may need to do follow-up research with you to attempt to determine the length of time you've been afflicted with OSA, and if any recent changes in lifestyle may have contributed to it. Weight gain and increased intake of alcohol and/or drugs are leading causes of increased levels of OSA symptoms.

Once diagnosed with OSA, there are varied methods of treatment for alleviating or eliminating its occurrence. When the OSA is being caused by lifestyle choices, a simple change in lifestyle may be recommended.

Avoidance of alcohol, drugs or some types of medication, all of which excessively relax the muscles during sleep, leading to airway collapse, are vital. Weight loss in heavy set individuals, and cessation of smoking in smokers are also possible cures. Specialized pillows or other devices can also be used in an attempt to keep the patient from sleeping on their back.

If these conservative methods are not giving the desired results, or if it is suspected that they will not be adequate, a physical intervention will likely be necessary.

The first and most widely prescribed of these is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). A breathing machine delivers a steady supply of air through a mask worn over the nose and mouth. The air pressure from this technique forces the airways to remain open, easing the natural breathing process. The amount of air pressure varies by patient, and will be judged by your doctor following your overnight study.

In lieu of this treatment, oral appliances may be encouraged. These are cheaper forms of treatment, typically consisting of devices to hold the jaw or tongue in a set position, preventing its slide into the back of the throat during muscle relaxation.

The definitive treatment for OSA is to undergo surgery, a step that may fully eliminate the ailment in patients. There are numerous forms of surgery based on the causes at the root of the OSA, and some of these surgical options are detailed below.

Nasal surgery is effective for those suffering OSA through nasal obstruction or congestion, which can be caused by a deviated septum or allergies among other causes. This is more often for patients with smaller builds, who are in the relative minority of OSA patients.

Having parts of the soft palate reduced or removed through laser surgery or radiofrequency waves.

Increasing the size of the airway passage through tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy. This is the common procedure for children suffering with OSA.

Surgical repositioning of the lower jaw, setting it in a more forward position, forcing the tongue away from the back of the throat where it blocks the airflow during sleep. In more serious cases, a procedure similar to this, involving movement of both the upper and lower jaw may be attempted.

If you suspect you or someone you know is suffering with OSA, it is recommended not to downplay the syndrome, but to have it looked at and diagnosed by a professional. Poor sleep habits can have detrimental effects on all aspects of your life, and could be corrected with minimal steps or procedures.