Sleep Apnea occurs when there is a cessation of breathing for 10 seconds or longer and is usually caused by a blockage of the airway.

 

There can be several different causes of blockage but the most common is when the tongue or the soft tissue in the back of the throat collapses and closes during sleep.  With each apneic event, the brain briefly arouses the body in order to resume breathing and consequently sleep is extremely fragmented and of poor quality.  These apneic events can occur hundreds of times during the night.

 

Sleep Apnea is very common, as common as adult diabetes and effects more than twenty million Americans. Approximately 1 in 5 adults have at least mild Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).  It is most noticeable in middle-aged men but can also be found in women as well, especially after menopause.  Yet, because of the lack of awareness by the public and healthcare professionals, the majority remains undiagnosed and therefore untreated.

 

The consequences of non-treatment can be very serious and include but are not limited to:  

hypertension, heart attack, stroke, reduced cognitive function, brain atrophy, increased risk for auto accidents and diabetes.