Breathing pauses that occur repeatedly while you sleep are a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA. The cause of these pauses, or apneas, is the relaxation of the throat muscles, which blocks the upper airway and momentarily stops breathing. When breathing pauses or becomes shallow, people with OSA often snore loudly and then perceive quiet. The brain then detects a decrease in oxygen levels and momentarily wakes the individual from slumber in order to reopen the airway, often causing a feeling of gasping or choking.
Disrupted sleep due to OSA may result in daytime tiredness, agitation, and difficulties focusing. If left untreated, it may exacerbate major health conditions, including high blood pressure, heart difficulties, and a higher chance of stroke. Alterations in lifestyle, dental appliances, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, and, in extreme situations, surgery to clear the blockages in the airways are all possible forms of treatment. Visit: Medzsquare.com
