What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep Apnea is estimated to effect 20 million people. It occurs when the airway becomes completely blocked and air is not able to move through the airway at all. This is more commonly called Obstructive Sleep Apnea because the airway is totally obstructed. This obstruction may occur anywhere from the area of the soft palate down to below the base of the tongue. When the airway is totally obstructed the patient will awaken many times during the night with a cough or gasping sound as an attempt is made to restore normal breathing.

Symptoms and Signs of Sleep Apnea

The most common symptoms and signs that are associated with Sleep Apnea are:

Snoring
Non refreshing sleep
Daytime fatigue or daytime tiredness
History of falling asleep driving, watching TV or reading
Awaken during sleep coughing, choking or gasping
Morning headaches
Elevated blood pressure
Cardiovascular disease

Other commonly occurring findings associated with Snoring and Sleep Apnea are:

Gastric reflux or acid reflux with indigestion
Grinding of the teeth during sleep (Bruxism)
Diabetes
Mood swings
Symptoms of depression and anxiety

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Home About Dr. Bailey Contact Location & Map More Information Reimbursement Snoring / Apnea Snoring Apnea Quiz Illustrations Appliances Pharyngometer	What is Sleep Apnea? Sleep Apnea is estimated to effect 20 million people. It occurs when the airway becomes completely blocked and air is not able to move through the airway at all. This is more commonly called Obstructive Sleep Apnea because the airway is totally obstructed. This obstruction may occur anywhere from the area of the soft palate down to below the base of the tongue. When the airway is totally obstructed the patient will awaken many times during the night with a cough or gasping sound as an attempt is made to restore normal breathing. Symptoms and Signs of Sleep Apnea The most common symptoms and signs that are associated with Sleep Apnea are: Snoring Non refreshing sleep Daytime fatigue or daytime tiredness History of falling asleep driving, watching TV or reading Awaken during sleep coughing, choking or gasping Morning headaches Elevated blood pressure Cardiovascular disease Other commonly occurring findings associated with Snoring and Sleep Apnea are: Gastric reflux or acid reflux with indigestion Grinding of the teeth during sleep (Bruxism) Diabetes Mood swings Symptoms of depression and anxiety Next: Quiz Back: Snoring Home Copyright 2005 Dennis R. Bailey, DDS. Artwork, text, photographs and articles may be reproduced with permission only.