Obstructive Sleep Apnea Hypopnea

About Obstructive Sleep Apnea Hypopnea

Obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea is a breathing related sleep disorder included in DSM-5 because of its close links with sleep, mood and cognition. During sleep the upper airway repeatedly narrows or closes, causing pauses or reductions in breathing that briefly disturb sleep and lower oxygen levels. Common signs include loud snoring, gasping or snorting during sleep, observed pauses in breathing, unrefreshing sleep and daytime sleepiness or fatigue. It is common, particularly in middle aged and older adults, and risk is higher with obesity, male sex, certain facial or airway features and older age, though it can occur in children too. Untreated sleep apnea is associated with high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, mood symptoms, impaired concentration and drowsy driving accidents. Diagnosis is made with sleep testing in a laboratory or at home. Positive airway pressure therapy, which keeps the airway open with pressurized air through a mask, is the most established treatment, with weight management, oral appliances and surgery as options for some people.