More than 40 million American adults, and a similar number outside the U.S., have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) – a common breathing disorder in which the airway collapses or is blocked during sleep. It is most often diagnosed in men (twice as many men suffer than women,) and in older people – at least 1 out of 10 Americans over the age of 65 have sleep apnea.
Untreated, OSA can cause a host of medical concerns, including high blood pressure, memory problems, diabetes, impotency, and headaches. Thankfully, patients who follow treatment orders greatly reduce their risk for heart disease and other major medical problems.
People usually get diagnosed with OSA after visiting a doctor for symptoms relating to sleeplessness, including: