Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

Submitted by New Jersey Snoring Solutions on Mon 01/24/2011 - 13:39

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the most common form of sleep apnea, is caused by a blockage of the airway. The soft tissue in the rear of the throat will actually collapse during sleep.

It is not uncommon for individuals with untreated sleep apnea to stop breathing frequently during the night. These pauses in breathing can often last for a minute or longer and sometimes occur more than 100 times per night.

Sleep apnea is very common, it affects more than 12 million people throughout the United States (according to the National Institutes of Health.) Although sleep apnea affects a diverse segment of the population, even children, sufferers tend to share the following risk factors: male, overweight, and over the age of forty. Because of the lack of awareness the vast majority of people remain undiagnosed and untreated. It is unfortunate because it is such a serious disorder that can have severe consequences.

Some of the consequences of untreated sleep apnea include: snoring, memory problems, high blood pressure and other cardiovascular disease, headaches, increase in weight, and impotence. Untreated sleep apnea can impair an employee’s ability to do their job and may even contribute to motor vehicle accidents.

At New Jersey Sleep Apnea Solutions we take the diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea seriously. Call today to schedule an appointment and get the help you or your loved one deserves now!