Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA, is a sleep disorder related to breathing. Although there are different types of sleep apnea, OSA is the most common.

What causes obstructive sleep apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when your throat muscles relax and block your upper airway during sleep, causing frequent awakenings — sometimes dozens or even hundreds of times each night.

Sleeping with obstructive sleep apnea

There are several indicators that you may have OSA.

These symptoms include:

Unrefreshing and fragmented sleep
Loud snoring
Long pauses in breathing while asleep
Severe daytime sleepiness
Morning headaches
Frequent waking at night
Chronic elevation in daytime blood pressure
Difficulty concentrating during the day
Mood changes and irritability

Know your risk for obstructive sleep apnea

Understanding your risk for sleep apnea is vital for your overall health. Take our free health risk quiz now and start your journey to improved sleep.

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How is obstructive sleep apnea treated?

To diagnose obstructive sleep apnea, doctors will schedule a diagnostic sleep study. During this study, our sleep technologists will monitor and record your sleep behaviors in our fully equipped sleep labs or with specialized equipment you can use at home.

The studies available at the Tanner Center for Sleep Disorders include:

Full-night diagnostic studies (nocturnal polysomnogram or NPSG)
Split-night diagnostic and therapeutic studies (NPSG with continuous positive airway pressure or CPAP)
Daytime multiple sleep latency tests, home sleep studies

Scheduling a sleep study

If you suspect you have OSA, consult your doctor about obtaining a referral for a sleep study at the Tanner Center for Sleep Disorders. To schedule your session, your physician will need to complete a standard Tanner order form.

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Obstructive Sleep Apnea Frequently Asked Questions

What is obstructive sleep apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where the throat muscles intermittently relax and block the airway during sleep, leading to disrupted sleep and potential health issues.
How do I know if I have obstructive sleep apnea?
If you experience symptoms like loud snoring, daytime sleepiness, and frequent awakenings during the night, you may have obstructive sleep apnea. A sleep study can provide a definitive diagnosis.
What should I do if I suspect I have sleep apnea?
If you suspect you have sleep apnea, talk to your doctor about a referral for a sleep study at the Tanner Center for Sleep Disorders.