Sleep Apnea Questions and Answers
Sleep apnea, also referred to as OSA (obstructive sleep apnea), is a sleep disorder that is characterized by pauses in breathing throughout the night, it affects 5 to 10 percent of snorers. In mild cases, people with sleep apnea may not even realize they are affected by the condition unless they have a partner who hears them stop breathing while sleeping. In moderate to severe cases, sleep apnea can cause dozens- or even hundreds - of pauses in breathing throughout their sleep, with some pauses that last for over 30 seconds. Sleep apnea can negatively impact quality of sleep and lead to daytime sleepiness, fatigue and moodiness.
The warning signs of sleep apnea are:
-Loud snoring that disturbs others
-Waking up gasping or choking
-Noticeable intermittent pauses of breathing during sleep
-Excessive daytime drowsiness
-Waking up with a sore throat
Contact us at Koala® Center for Sleep & TMJ Disorders if you're having problems sleeping or have symptoms of Sleep Apnea.
