Excessive Sleepiness and Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which breathing is briefly and repeatedly interrupted during sleep. Excessive daytime sleepiness can be a result of interrupted sleep each night. Sleep apnea refers to a breathing pause that lasts at least ten seconds. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat fail to keep the airway open, despite efforts to breathe.

Episodes of OSA typically end with the person waking up briefly in order to reopen his or her airway. This leads to many symptoms and can result in additional health issues.

People who have OSA snore loudly between episodes and can also gasp and/or choke. As a result of the pattern of airway obstruction and multiple arousals that occur during the night, people with OSA have sleep fragmentation and often experience excessive sleepiness during the day.

Call SleepAlliance today to schedule your consultation if you experience excessive daytime sleepiness or any other symptom of sleep apnea.