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Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
Different types of sleep apnea
What happens in your throat while you sleep?
Sleep apnea in adults
Sleep apnea in children
The word "apnea" derives from the Greek, and literally means "without breath." Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which a person involuntarily stops breathing, either partially or completely, many times during sleep.
These breathing interruptions can occur hundreds of times per night, and place significant strain on the heart and cardiovascular system. Each interruption can last from 10 seconds to a minute or longer.
The negative effects of sleep fragmentation can also arise from what is called a hypopnea event. Hypopnea derives from the Greek and means "less than normal breath." In a hypopnea event, breathing is only partially interrupted instead of completely, but there is a measurably reduced airflow that can lower the level of oxygen in the bloodstream.
While the "typical" sleep apnea patient is an overweight adult male, the disorder affects male and female adults and children of all ages and ethnicities. As many as 18 million adults are affected with OSA, making it almost as common as diabetes and asthma. In addition, sleep apnea affects approximately 1-3% of otherwise healthy preschool children, and accounts for the majority of tonsillectomies and/or adenoidectomies now performed on children.
Risks of untreated OSA Untreated sleep apnea can have serious consequences for your (or your loved one's) physical, intellectual and emotional health. It can even be life-threatening in severe cases. Yet the majority of adults with sleep apnea remain undiagnosed. And many parents are unaware of the prevalence of pediatric OSA.
In adults, long-term sleep apnea has been associated with high blood pressure (hypertension), diabetes, cardiac arrest, and a much higher incidence of automobile accidents. It also is related to irritability, excessive daytime sleepiness, an inability to concentrate, and decreased work performance.
OSA in children can cause behavior problems, learning difficulties, and poor school performance, as well as potentially dangerous physical side effects. Many children with pediatric OSA are diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) before they are diagnosed with OSA.
Snoring can be associated with OSA, but it is not a prerequisite. The bed partners of sleep apnea sufferers may notice that their partner snores and stops breathing for a long period of time, then "snorts awake." Parents may notice their child's bizarre sleeping behavior, snoring, or interrupted breathing. Observations such as these can ultimately lead to the diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea. It is important to seek medical attention if you or your loved one exhibits symptoms of OSA.
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Version 2.1.0 This webpage was first published on September 07, 2005, and was last updated on August 31, 2007.
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