What is OSA?
Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder where the throat repeatedly narrows or closes during sleep, causing breathing to stop for short periods. These pauses in breathing are called apnoeas. Sometimes the airway only partly closes, reducing airflow rather than stopping it completely. These events are called hypopnoeas.
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Each time the airway closes, your brain briefly wakes you just enough to reopen it. Most people do not remember these awakenings, but they prevent deep, refreshing sleep.
Over time, untreated OSA can affect your health, energy levels and quality of life.
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How does the airway collapse?
During the day, the muscles of the throat help keep your airway open. When you fall asleep, these muscles naturally relax.
In people with OSA, the airway is already narrower than normal or is more likely to collapse. As the muscles relax:
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The tongue can fall backwards.
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The soft palate and tissues at the back of the throat can collapse.
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Airflow becomes restricted or stops completely.
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When breathing stops, oxygen levels may fall until the brain briefly wakes you to reopen the airway. Breathing then resumes, often with a loud gasp or snort, before the cycle repeats many times throughout the night.
Common signs and symptoms
During Sleep
During the Day
Loud Snoring
Feeling tired despite a full nights sleep
Pauses in breathing noted by partner
Excessive daytime sleepiness
Gasping or choking during sleep
Morning headaches
Restless sleep
Irritability and mood changes
Frequent waking
Difficulty concentrating
Needing to get up to pass urine during the night
Poor memory
Excessive sweating during sleep
Reduced work performance
Who is at risk?
Anyone can develop OSA, but it is more common in people who:
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Are overweight or obese
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Have a larger neck circumference
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Snore regularly
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Have a family history of sleep apnoea
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Smoke or drink alcohol before bedtime
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Have enlarged tonsils or a naturally narrow airway
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Are male (although OSA is also common in women, particularly after the menopause)
Normal airway: Air passess freely into the lungs.
OSA: Relaxed throat muscles block the airways during sleep.
Why is treatment important?
Without treatment, OSA can increase the risk of:
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High blood pressure
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Heart disease
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Stroke
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Type 2 diabetes
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Depression and low mood
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Road traffic accidents caused by excessive sleepiness
Treating OSA can improve both your quality of life and your long-term health.
How is OSA treated?
The most effective treatment for moderate to severe OSA is Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy.
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What is CPAP?
CPAP is a small bedside machine connected to a mask worn over the nose or nose and mouth while you sleep.
The machine gently blows air into your airway at a carefully controlled pressure. This air pressure acts like an internal splint, preventing the throat from collapsing during sleep. CPAP does not breathe for you. Instead, it keeps your airway open so that you can breathe normally throughout the night.