Posts Tagged ‘Sleep Apnea’

Obstructive Sleep Apnea: An Overview

Written by Manny Erlich. Posted in Health Effects of Snoring, Snoring 101

WHAT IS OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA (OSA)?

OSA is one of the most common causes of snoring, occurring when the muscles in the upper throat relax during sleep and block the flow of air into the lungs causing a person’s breathing to stop for a significant period of time, sometimes as long as 10 or more seconds.

The loud snoring sound that is so common in people who have OSA is caused when the air tries to pass through the blocked airway. People with obstructive sleep apnea repeatedly have their loud snoring interrupted with periods of silence during which there is no breathing. The period of silence is then followed by a snort and a gasp for air.