Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Symptoms, Causes, and Risk Factors

Introduction – Obstructive Sleep Apnea is the most common sleep relating breathing disorder and is caused due to collapse of the upper airway during sleep. It occurs when the throat muscles of the tongue and soft palate relax. When these muscles relax the airway is temporarily narrowed, blocked, or closed then it momentarily cuts off the breathing that may cause even death.

In the case of obstructive sleep apnea, the normal flow of air is repeatedly stopped during the night. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common disorder, especially in adult people with excess weight and obesity. It can also affect anyone including children. Loudly snoring may be linked with obstructive sleep apnea and is caused by airflow sneezing through the narrowed airway space. It is not always life-threatening but it may be a risk if it is not treated. When the brain senses a loss of enough oxygen due to blocking of the airway, it alerts the body to wake up and the risk is over.

Symptoms – There are several symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea are given below –

Loud snoring
Anxiety
Irritability
Increased blood pressure
Restless sleep
Heavy night sweats
Insomnia
Gasping
Problem in concentrating
Reduced libido
Excessive daytime sleepiness
Morning headache

Causes – Obstructive sleep apnea occurs if the muscles of the throat suddenly relax and your airway narrows or close or hampering the breath for about 10 seconds. It can reduce the level of oxygen in the blood may cause a build-up of carbon dioxide. In this type of sleep apnea, you can feel shortness of breath and awaken that corrects itself quickly with one or two deep breaths. Several people are suffering from obstructive sleep apnea do not feel that they have not to sleep at night. But this type of sleep apnea is not treated then it may be life-threatening.

Risk factors – There are several risk factors that may risk the increase of obstructive sleep apnea are given below –