Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which breathing pauses during sleep. With obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), breathing temporarily stops (apnea) due to a constricted airway, in contrast to central sleep apnea, where the brain temporarily fails to send signals to the muscles that control breathing.[1] After breathing pauses, the brain triggers a sudden gasp to resume breathing. The stop-start cycle of breathing repeats throughout the night, preventing the body from falling into a deep sleep and reducing oxygen levels. Since OSA tends to take a severe toll on the mind and body, treatment to keep the airway open during sleep is critical to avoiding adverse health consequences.
What is obstructive sleep apnea?
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•Last Updated: May 16, 2025
Obstructive sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by temporary pauses in breathing due to a constricted airway, which disrupts deep sleep and reduces oxygen levels. Treatment is essential to keep the airway open and prevent negative health effects.