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Definition

By Mayo Clinic staff

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Illustration showing soft tissues of the throat Obstructive sleep apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is a potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep.

Several types of sleep apnea exist, but the most common type is obstructive sleep apnea, which occurs when your throat muscles intermittently relax and block your airway during sleep. The most noticeable sign of obstructive sleep apnea is snoring.

Anyone can develop obstructive sleep apnea, although it most commonly affects middle-aged and older adults and people who are overweight.

Obstructive sleep apnea treatment may involve using a device to keep your airway open or using a mouthpiece to thrust your jaw forward during sleep. Some people undergo a procedure to change the structure of their nose, mouth or throat.

Symptoms
References
  1. What is sleep apnea? National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/sleepapnea/. Accessed April 17, 2013.
  2. Kline LR. Clinical presentations and diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed April 4, 2013.
  3. Strohl KP. Overview of obstructive sleep apnea in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed April 4, 2013.
  4. Tamisier R, et al. Cardiovascular effects of obstructive sleep apnea. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed April 4, 2013.
  5. Kryger MH. Management of obstructive sleep apnea in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed April 4, 2013.
  6. Paruthi S. Evaluation of suspected obstructive sleep apnea in children. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed April 16, 2013.
  7. Olson E. Surgical risk and the preoperative evaluation and management of adults with obstructive sleep apnea. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed April 16, 2013.
  8. Collop N. Portable monitoring in obstructive sleep apnea in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed April 16, 2013.
  9. Millman RP, et al. Polysomnography in obstructive sleep apnea in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed April 16, 2013.
  10. Dave NB. Initiation of positive airway pressure therapy for obstructive sleep apnea in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed April 12, 2013.
  11. Jacobson RL, et al. Treating obstructive sleep apnea: The case for surgery. American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. 2012;142:435.
  12. Grover DP. Obstructive sleep apnea and ocular disorders. Current Opinion in Ophthalmology. 2010;21:454.
  13. Rosario IC. Obstructive sleep apnea: A review and update. Minnesota Medicine. 2011;94:44.
  14. Find a sleep center near you. American Academy of Sleep Medicine. http://www.sleepcenters.org/. Accessed April 4, 2013.
  15. U.S. News best hospitals 2012-2013. U.S. News & World Report. http://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/rankings. Accessed April 4, 2013.
  16. Olson EJ (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. April 29, 2013.
DS00968 June 15, 2013

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