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Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition in which a person has episodes of stopped breathing during sleep.

See also:

• Central sleep apnea
• Sleep disorders

Sleep apnea - obstructive; Apnea - obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

Normally, the muscles of the upper part of the throat help keep the airway open and allow air to flow into the lungs. Even though these muscles usually relax during sleep, the upper throat remains open enough to let air pass by.

However, some people have a narrower throat area, and, during sleep, relaxation of the muscles causes the passage to completely close. This prevents air from getting into the lungs. Loud snoring and labored breathing occur. During deep sleep, breathing can stop for a short period of time (often more than 10 seconds). This is called apnea.

An apnea episode is followed by a sudden attempt to breathe, and a change to a lighter stage of sleep. The result is fragmented sleep that is not restful, leading to excessive daytime drowsiness.

Older obese men seem to be at higher risk, although as many as 40% of people with obstructive sleep apnea are not obese. The following factors may also increase your risk for obstructive sleep apnea:

• Certain shapes of the palate and jaw
• Large tonsils and adenoids in children
• Large neck or collar size
• Large tongue
• Narrow airway
• Nasal obstruction
• Recent weight gain

Drinking alcohol or using sedatives before sleep may make you more likely to have an episode of apnea.

It is important to emphasize that, often, the person who has obstructive sleep apnea does not remember the episodes of apnea during the night. The main symptoms are usually associated with excessive daytime sleepiness due to poor sleep during the night. Often, family members, especially spouses, witness the periods of no breathing.

A person with obstructive sleep apnea usually snores heavily soon after falling asleep. The snoring continues at a regular pace for a period of time, often becoming louder, but is then interrupted by a long silent period during which there is no breathing. This is followed by a loud snort and gasp, and the snoring returns. This pattern repeats frequently throughout the night.

Symptoms that may be observed include:

• Abnormal daytime sleepiness, including falling asleep at inappropriate times
• Awakening unrefreshed in the morning
• Depression (possibly)
• Episodes of no breathing (apnea)
• Lethargy
• Loud snoring
• Memory difficulties
• Morning headaches
• Personality changes
• Poor concentration
• Restless sleep

Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:

• Hyperactive behavior, especially in children
• Leg swelling (if severe)

The health care provider will perform a physical exam. This will involve carefully checking your mouth, neck, and throat. You will be asked about your medical history. Often, a survey that asks a series of questions about daytime sleepiness, sleep quality, and bedtime habits is given.

A sleep study (polysomnogram) is used to confirm obstructive sleep apnea.

Other tests that may be performed include:

• Arterial blood gases
• Electrocardiogram (ECG)
• Echocardiogram
• Thyroid function studies

When treated correctly, obstructive sleep apnea may be controlled. However, many patients are unable or unwilling to tolerate CPAP therapy.

During the nonbreathing episodes, blood oxygen levels falls. Persistent low levels of oxygen (hypoxia) may cause many of the daytime symptoms. If the condition is severe enough, pulmonary hypertension may develop, leading to right-sided heart failure or cor pulmonale.

Other complications include:

• Abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
• Excessive carbon dioxide levels in the blood
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Sleep deprivation
• Stroke

Call your health care provider if you have excessive daytime sleepiness, or if you or your family notice symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea.

If you have this condition, call if symptoms do not improve with treatment or if new symptoms develop.

Decreased consciousness, extreme sleepiness, hallucinations, personality changes, and persistent confusion can be a sign of a medical emergency. Seek immediate medical attention or call your local emergency number, such as 911.

Children with very large tonsils and adenoids may develop sleep apnea and related problems. They should be evaluated by a health care provider to determine whether they need to have their tonsils or adenoids removed.

See: Tonsillectomy

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Patil SP, Schneider H, Schwartz AR, Smith PL. Adult obstructive sleep apnea: pathophysiology and diagnosis. Chest. 2007 Jul;132(1):325-37.

Darrow DH. Surgery for pediatric sleep apnea. Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 2007 Aug;40(4):855-75.

Friedman M, Schalch P. Surgery of the palate and oropharynx. Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 2007 Aug;40(4):829-43.