Common Sleep Disorders: Obstructive Sleep Apnoea

Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common sleep-related breathing disorder. It causes you to repeatedly stop and start breathing while you sleep.

There are several types of sleep apnea, but the most common is obstructive sleep apnea. This type of apnea occurs when your throat muscles intermittently relax and block your airway during sleep. A noticeable sign of obstructive sleep apnea is snoring.

Treatments for obstructive sleep apnea are available. One treatment involves using a device that uses positive pressure to keep your airway open while you sleep. Another option is a mouthpiece to thrust your lower jaw forward during sleep. In some cases, surgery might be an option too.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea include:

• Excessive daytime sleepiness

• Loud snoring

• Observed episodes of stopped breathing during sleep

• Abrupt awakenings accompanied by gasping or choking

• Awakening with a dry mouth or sore throat

• Morning headache

• Difficulty concentrating during the day

• Mood changes, such as depression or irritability

• High blood pressure

• Decreased libido

Source: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/obstructive-sleep-apnea/symptoms-causes/syc-20352090#:~:text=Obstructive%20sleep%20apnea%20occurs%20when,breathing%20is%20momentarily%20cut%20off.