Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that occurs when a person’s breathing is interrupted during sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common form of sleep apnea, and it occurs when the throat muscles intermittently relax and block the airway during sleep. People with obstructive sleep apnea often experience loud snoring, pauses in breathing, and daytime sleepiness.
The three main symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea are loud snoring, pauses in breathing, and excessive daytime sleepiness.
Loud snoring is one of the most common symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea. OSA causes the throat muscles to relax and collapse while sleeping, restricting airflow and creating a vibrating sound when breathing. People who suffer from OSA often have loud and disruptive snoring that can wake up not only the person suffering from the condition but also their sleeping partners.
Pauses in breathing are another common symptom of OSA. While sleeping, the person suffering from OSA will stop breathing for short periods of time, ranging from a few seconds to a minute or more. During these pauses, the oxygen level in the blood decreases, which can lead to other health problems.
Excessive daytime sleepiness is the third most common symptom of OSA. People who suffer from OSA often experience difficulty staying awake during the day, even after getting an adequate amount of sleep. This daytime sleepiness can lead to problems with concentration and memory, as well as an increased risk of motor vehicle accidents.
In conclusion, the three main symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea are loud snoring, pauses in breathing, and excessive daytime sleepiness. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to speak to a doctor as soon as possible, as OSA can lead to other serious health problems. It is also important to note that OSA can be treated with lifestyle changes, such as reducing alcohol intake and avoiding sleeping on your back, as well as with the use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines.