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Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome

Description

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is typically associated with episodes of limited breathing while sleeping, caused by a reduction in blood oxygen saturation. This disorder has a unique snoring pattern which consists of loud snores or brief gasps which alternate with periods of silence, lasting up to 30 seconds. The end of an apneic episode usually leaves the sufferer gasping or moaning. During this time, patients may also experience violent, whole-body tremors.

Diagnosis

This disorder is diagnosed when patients complain of excessive sleepiness, coupled with moments of obstructive breathing while asleep. Patients also typically complain of morning headaches and dry mouth when they wake up. These symptoms can be associated with other medical conditions and other sleep disorders can be present in a patient who is diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Sufferers are typically overweight and middle-aged.

Treatment

Patients with no clinical problems with sleep apnea can generally be treated through proper sleep hygiene which includes avoiding alcohol and caffeine, getting daily exercise and maintaining a normal time to sleep and wake-up. More serious cases can require a continuous positive airway pressure machine which allows for proper breathing. Patients who do not respond to CPAP should seek out immediate surgery.

Source: Adapted from International Classification of Sleep Disorders Diagnostic & Coding Manual, American Academy of Sleep Medicine.