What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

Obstructive Sleep Apnea is potentially a life-threatening disorder which is linked to irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure and heart failure. Obstructive sleep apnea can cause you to involuntarily stop breathing for up to one minute while sleeping. Symptoms of this condition include loud snoring, pauses in breathing and daytime sleepiness. With Obstructive Sleep Apnea, breathing is interrupted when your upper airway collapses and prevents air from getting into their lungs. Sleep patterns are interrupted having a direct affect on the quality of life and is associated with serious health issues.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Frequently Asked Questions

“What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

With Obstructive Sleep Apnea, breathing is interrupted when your upper airway collapses and prevents air from getting into their lungs. Sleep patterns are interrupted having a direct affect on the quality of life and is associated with serious health issues.

How many people have OSA?

4 in 100 middle aged men and 2 in 100 middle ages women have Obstructive Sleep Apnea. While OSA is as common as adult asthma and diabetes, it remains one of the most undiagnosed and untreated conditions. People don’t realize how serious it is and how it affects their quality of life.

“I don’t hear myself snoring.”

Most people with obstructive sleep apnea do not hear themselves snore and many insist they don’t snore. It is usually your partner that will complain of your constant snoring and the lapses of breathing. Did you know that studies show that because of your snoring, your partner is losing up to 1 1/2 hours of sleep every night? If your partner says you snore, it is important that you come in for a sleep study to see if you have sleep apnea.

What happens if Obstructive Sleep Apnea is not treated?

OSA has been associated with serious life threatening conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease and heart attack, stroke and gastrointestinal reflux.

Do you drive or are you tired at work?

Fatigue related work accidents and motor vehicle accidents are common for those with OSA. Sufferers of OSA place themselves, their loved ones and others on the road in danger. A person with OSA is 7 times more likely to get into a motor vehicle accident. Did you know that in just a few seconds, you can travel the length of a football field in a car? Don’t drive when you are tired! Get treated!