Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome

Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS) is a sleep disorder where the airway becomes partially blocked during sleep, causing increased resistance to airflow. This leads to shallow breathing and frequent awakenings, often without complete blockage of the airway, as seen in sleep apnea. People with UARS may experience excessive daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. Unlike other sleep-disordered breathing conditions, the person may not snore loudly, making UARS harder to diagnose. Treatment typically involves lifestyle changes, positional therapy, or the use of devices to keep the airway open during sleep, improving overall rest and well-being.