OSA May Be The Reason Why You Have Disturbed Sleep

Continuous, sound sleep has become a rarity in today’s fast-paced world. 

However, adequate sleep is essential for your body. A lack of proper sleep can negatively impact your life and make you miserable in the long run.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep-related breathing disorder and the main culprit behind the disturbed sleep of many people.

What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea or OSA?

According to renowned Senior Consultant Pulmonologist Dr Raghottam Reddy, “OSA is a sleep disorder where a person stops breathing temporarily during sleep. This may happen hundreds of times. These cessations or voids in breathing are known as apneas.”

People suffering from OSA have a narrow upper airway. During sleep, their airway relaxes and further narrows down, resulting in breathing difficulties. 

Reduced breathing results in insufficient oxygen supply to the blood. Because of reduced oxygen supply to the brain, the affected person wakes up for a brief period of time.

During this time, the narrowed down air passage relaxes and the person then breathes properly again. This circular process occurs, again and again, resulting in OSA.

Common Symptoms of OSA

Episodes of breathing cessation during sleep

Sudden night-time awakenings marked by gasping or choking

Daytime sleepiness

Loud snoring

Concentration problems

Mood changes like irritation or depression

Dry mouth or a sore throat upon waking up

Morning headaches

Why OSA Is Dangerous

Due to irregular breathing, the persons with OSA are at risk of:

Heart failure

Stroke

Death

Road accidents

Weight gain

OSA is a chronic disease and in the long run, you may also develop high blood pressure, heart problems, type 2 diabetes and fatigue.

Recent data suggests that nearly 10-15% of all road accidents by 2020 will be because of sleepiness or fatigue. The accident risk of OSA-affected people is two to six times more than that of regular drivers.

Who Are At A Risk Of OSA

Dr Raghottam Reddy recommends sleep studies for:

High BMI or Obese people

Hypertension patients

Diabetics

Pilots and drivers

Engineers working on heavy machines