Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Excerpt

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by episodes of complete (apnea) or partial (hypopnea) collapse of the upper airway, leading to decreased oxygen desaturation or arousal from sleep. This disruption results in fragmented and nonrestorative sleep. Other symptoms include loud and disruptive snoring, witnessed apneas during sleep, and excessive daytime sleepiness. OSA significantly affects cardiovascular health, behavioral conditions, quality of life, and driving safety. Other types of sleep-disordered breathing, including central sleep apnea, upper airway resistance, and obesity hypoventilation, will be discussed separately. Please see StatPearls' companion resources, "Central Sleep Apnea" and "Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome," for more information.