obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition where the airway repeatedly collapses or becomes blocked during sleep, causing breathing interruptions. This leads to brief awakenings as the body struggles to breathe, disrupting restful sleep. Common signs include loud snoring, choking, or gasping during sleep, along with daytime tiredness and poor concentration. OSA can increase the risk of other health issues like high blood pressure and heart problems if left untreated. It is often diagnosed with a sleep study and can be managed with lifestyle changes, devices like CPAP machines, or surgery to keep the airway open.