Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is a serious condition that afflicts a substantial number of individuals. It is characterized by disruption of normal sleep architecture by complete or partial obstruction of respiratory airflow. Airflow obstruction results in a reduction of blood oxygen saturation know as hypoxemia. It produces arousal in an attempt to reopen the airway. These recurring arousals disrupt sleep architecture, which diminishes the quality of sleep. This cycle results in excessive daytime somnolence, which is one of the hallmark features of this disease condition. Excessive daytime somnolence greatly diminishes the quality of life in affected individuals and impacts unfavorably their state of health.