OSA is a sleep disorder where the throat becomes blocked during the night, stopping the victim s breathing for short periods of time, usually less than a minute. A gasping breath will open the airway again, only to have the cycle repeat itself. Repeatedly, these gasping periods arouse the sleeper into a lighter stage of sleep. Often the sufferers of sleep apnea are not aware that they quit breathing at night. They only know that they aren t as well-rested as they used to be.
Some people wake up with headaches.
Some have difficulty staying awake while driving. Others are more irritable and short-tempered. Concentration at work can be affected, leading to poorer work performance and higher risk of injuries. Not only will sleep apnea leave you feeling constantly tired, but it may present health issues, such as high blood pressure and stroke, that need to be addressed. Spouses are often affected by the associated snoring, pauses in breathing and loud gasping.