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Sleep Diagnostic Program: What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?
During sleep the muscles that control the tongue and soft palate hold the airway open. If these muscles relax, the airway becomes narrower causing snoring and breathing difficulties. OSA occurs when those muscles relax too much and the airway becomes completely blocked preventing breathing.
After a period of time (anywhere from ten seconds to two minutes) the brain realizes there is a lack of oxygen, and alerts the body to wake up. Though the individual may not be aware of it, this cycle can happen several hundred times during the night, severely disrupting sleep.
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