What is Apnea and Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS)

"Apnea" is a Greek derived root that means "without breath." Sleep apnea is a breathing disorder characterized by brief interruptions of breathing during sleep.

There are two basic types of sleep apnea:

1. Central Sleep Apnea
2. Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Central sleep apnea occurs when the brain fails to initiate breathing.

Obstructive sleep apnea, which is more common, occurs when airflow is blocked from the upper airway (nose, mouth, or throat). During this blockage, one becomes deprived of oxygen from seconds to minutes.

The interruption of deep, restorative sleep may lead to minor problems such as daytime sleepiness to life-threatening conditions such as heart and lung disease.

• Read more about Surgical Solutions for OSAS