What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. The most common type, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), occurs when throat muscles relax and block the airway.
22M
Americans affected by sleep apnea
80%
of cases remain undiagnosed
100+
breathing pauses per night in severe cases
Symptoms & Signs
- ●Loud snoring
- ●Episodes of stopped breathing during sleep (witnessed by another person)
- ●Gasping for air during sleep
- ●Waking with a dry mouth or headache
- ●Excessive daytime sleepiness
- ●Difficulty concentrating
How Sleep Apnea is Diagnosed
Diagnosis typically involves a sleep study (polysomnography) either at a sleep center or using a home sleep test device.
Treatment Options
| Treatment | Best For | Effectiveness |
|---|---|---|
| CPAP Machine | Moderate to severe OSA | Gold standard - highly effective |
| Oral Appliances | Mild to moderate OSA | Effective, easier to tolerate |
| Lifestyle Changes | All severity levels | Supportive treatment |
