Obstructive Sleep Apnea
A sleep-related breathing disorder involving repeated episodes of upper airway obstruction during sleep, often accompanied by snoring and daytime sleepiness.
Overview
Obstructive sleep apnea involves repeated episodes of partial or complete upper airway obstruction during sleep, leading to disrupted sleep, reduced oxygen levels, and excessive daytime sleepiness.
Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms can include loud snoring, witnessed pauses in breathing during sleep, gasping or choking during sleep, and excessive daytime fatigue. Experiencing one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean that a person has this condition. Diagnosis requires an appropriate clinical evaluation.
Causes and Risk Factors
Risk factors include excess body weight, airway anatomy, and family history; the underlying mechanism involves narrowing or collapse of the upper airway during sleep.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis should be made by a qualified healthcare professional following a comprehensive clinical assessment. Clinicians may use established diagnostic frameworks such as DSM-5-TR and/or ICD-11 as part of a comprehensive assessment.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the individual’s symptoms, clinical history, severity, age, co-occurring conditions, and other relevant factors.
Psychotherapy
Behavioral changes, such as weight management and positional therapy, may reduce symptom severity in some individuals.
Medication
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy and, in some cases, oral appliances or surgery are standard evidence-based treatments. Medication decisions should be made with a qualified prescribing healthcare professional. Do not start, stop, or change a prescribed medication based solely on information on this page.
Living With Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Weight management, avoiding alcohol before bedtime, and side-sleeping positions may help reduce symptoms.
When to Seek Professional Help
Professional evaluation may be appropriate if symptoms persist, worsen, cause significant distress, or interfere with work, school, or relationships.
Emergency Situations
If a person may be in immediate danger, is experiencing a medical or psychiatric emergency, or may harm themselves or another person, seek immediate assistance through appropriate local emergency services.
Outlook
With consistent treatment, most people experience substantial improvement in sleep quality and daytime functioning.
Related Conditions
Medical Information Disclaimer
Ratel Health provides general educational information and does not provide medical diagnosis, treatment, or individualized medical advice. Information on this page is not a substitute for evaluation or care from a qualified healthcare professional. Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or another person, or to start, stop, or change treatment or medication without consulting an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
References
- American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR).
- National Institute of Mental Health.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
- World Health Organization. International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision.