Sleep · Condition
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is the most common sleep-related breathing
disorder.
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is the most common sleep-related breathing disorder. As you sleep, the muscles at the back of your throat relax and the airway narrows or briefly collapses, stopping your breathing — sometimes hundreds of times a night. Each pause nudges you out of deep sleep, so even a full night in bed can leave you unrefreshed. Left untreated, OSA strains the heart and raises the risk of high blood pressure, stroke, and daytime accidents.
Causes & risk factors
Airway anatomy
A naturally narrow throat, large tonsils, or a low soft palate leave less room for air.
Excess weight
Soft tissue around the neck and upper airway makes collapse more likely.
Age & muscle tone
Throat muscles relax more with age, especially in deep sleep.
Habits & family history
Genetics, alcohol, sedatives, and smoking all raise the risk.
Recognize These in Yourself or
Someone You Love?
Symptoms
Loud, chronic snoring
Witnessed pauses in breathing or gasping
Waking unrefreshed after a full night
Daytime sleepiness or trouble concentrating
Morning headaches or dry mouth
Irritability and mood changes
How we diagnose it
Diagnosis starts with a conversation about your sleep, followed by a simple breathing study. We offer two options and help you choose:
Treatment options
Most people improve dramatically once breathing is supported through the night.
Frequently asked questions
Will I have to use CPAP forever?
Many patients use CPAP long-term because it works so well, but the plan is yours. We also discuss weight management, oral appliances, and positional therapy, and we re-evaluate regularly.
Can I be tested at home?
Often, yes. For uncomplicated cases a home sleep apnea test is accurate and convenient. We help you decide between a home test and an in-lab study.
Is snoring always sleep apnea?
No — but loud snoring with pauses or gasping is worth evaluating, especially if you wake unrefreshed.