Common Signs
- Loud, chronic snoring
- Witnessed pauses in breathing during sleep
- Gasping or choking awakenings
- Morning headaches and dry mouth
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a serious condition where the airway repeatedly collapses during sleep, briefly cutting off oxygen. Untreated OSA is linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and motor-vehicle accidents.
Risk factors include excess weight, a large neck circumference, family history, alcohol use before bed, and sleeping on your back. A formal diagnosis requires a sleep study, which can now be done at home in many cases.
Treatment ranges from positional therapy and weight loss to CPAP machines, oral appliances, and surgery. Speak with a board-certified sleep physician if you suspect apnea.
When to talk to a doctor
If symptoms last longer than three weeks, interfere with daily functioning, or include witnessed pauses in breathing, schedule an appointment with a board-certified sleep physician.