Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a common sleep disorder that is characterized by brief interruptions to your breathing during sleep. In the US, statistics show that between 25-30% of male adults and 9-17% of female adults have the sleep disorder. However, it is estimated that as many as 80% of people with obstructive sleep apnea are undiagnosed.
So what exactly is obstructive sleep apnea, and how do you know if you have it? “Obstructive sleep apnea is a disorder characterized by repeated obstructions of the airway during sleep,” explains Dr Paul Schalch Lepe, a double board-certified physician specializing in disorders affecting the ears, nose, and throat, as well as sleep medicine.
“When breathing slows down to the point where it stops, we call this an apnea,” continues Dr Schalch Lepe. “These apneas can last several seconds and occasionally over a minute and they can occur multiple times every night.” Here, we’ll take a closer look at what obstructive sleep apnea is, and explore the common signs that you might have it.
