Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Mechanisms, Risks, and Management
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder characterized by repeated episodes of partial or complete upper airway blockage during sleep, resulting in pauses in breathing, low oxygen levels, and disrupted sleep.
- OSA causes repeated airway blockages during sleep, leading to breathing pauses and oxygen drops.
- Includes loud snoring, daytime fatigue, and morning headaches, affecting up to 1 billion people globally.
| Claim | Scientific Observation | Impact Magnitude | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OSA involves recurrent upper airway collapse | Recurrent collapse during sleep | Leads to hypoxaemia and fragmentation | ||
| Untreated OSA links to diseases | Associations with cardiometabolic and neurocognitive issues | Affects 1 billion worldwide | ||
| Management uses CPAP and lifestyle | Airflow support and weight loss | Reduces symptoms and risks |