Sleep Apnea Symptoms

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. The most common form, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), occurs when the throat muscles intermittently relax and block the airway. Symptoms of OSA include loud snoring, episodes of breathing cessation observed by others, abrupt awakenings with gasping or choking, morning headaches, daytime sleepiness, difficulty concentrating, and irritability. Beyond these symptoms, OSA has significant systemic effects. It is strongly associated with hypertension due to the repetitive drops in blood oxygen levels that trigger increased blood pressure. OSA is also linked to insulin resistance and glucose intolerance, contributing to the development and worsening of type 2 diabetes. Additionally, the frequent arousals and negative pressure changes in the chest during apnea events can lead to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), commonly known as acid reflux, which further disrupts sleep and exacerbates symptoms. These systemic effects highlight the importance of diagnosing and treating OSA to mitigate its broad health impacts.

References:
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3. Greenberg, D. L. (2004). Obstructive sleep apnea and gastroesophageal reflux disease: a common association. *Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology*, 38(8), 676-678.