#48 - What is Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) represents a critical, often undiagnosed breathing disorder affecting approximately one billion people globally. The condition occurs when the airway collapses during sleep, triggering oxygen desaturation and carbon dioxide accumulation, which forces the brain to repeatedly wake the body. These frequent disruptions prevent restorative deep sleep and significantly elevate the risk of dementia, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and premature mortality. Diagnosis relies on the Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI), calculated through clinical sleep studies that measure the frequency of apnea and hypopnea events. While mild cases may be managed through lifestyle adjustments, primary clinical treatment involves continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices, which act as pneumatic stents to maintain airway patency. Alternative interventions include mandibular advancement devices or, in extreme cases, surgical procedures to clear physical obstructions.