Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
OSA is a condition where your breathing stops periodically while you’re asleep. This can prevent your body from getting enough oxygen and can lead to symptoms like:
breathing that stops briefly during sleep
loud snoring
gasping or choking noises while sleeping
excessive daytime sleepiness or fatigue
Researchers have estimated that close to 1 billion peopleTrusted Source worldwide have OSA. It happens due to conditions that block the airways during sleep. It’s more commonTrusted Source with older age, obesity, or a family history of OSA.
OSA is linked to a higher risk of a variety of other health problems, including:
cardiovascular diseaseTrusted Source
type 2 diabetesTrusted Source
depressionTrusted Source
dementiaTrusted Source
It’s most often treated with a CPAP device that helps keep airways open as you sleep.
