The sleep problem you don’t know you have.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is one of the most common – and often overlooked – sleep disorders. It happens when the airway becomes blocked during sleep, causing breathing to stop and restart many times through the night. Most people don’t remember it happening. But the effects can be felt every day.
What to look out for
People with OSA often snore loudly, wake up gasping or choking, and feel persistently tired even after a full night in bed. Morning headaches, dry mouth, poor concentration, low mood, and irritability are also common. If any of this sounds familiar, it might be time to take a closer look at your sleep.
Why OSA matters
Every time your breathing stops, oxygen drops. Your body responds with a spike in stress hormones and blood pressure. This cycle can repeat hundreds of times a night — silently putting your heart under strain.
Over time, untreated OSA increases the risk of:
- High blood pressure
- Irregular heart rhythms
- Heart attacks
- Stroke
- Heart failure
- Type 2 diabetes
This isn’t just a sleep issue. It’s a cardiovascular issue.
What causes it?
Obstructive Sleep Apnea is usually caused by relaxed throat muscles collapsing during sleep. It’s more common in people who are overweight or have a larger neck circumference, but it can affect anyone. Nasal congestion, certain facial features, or simply sleeping on your back can also contribute.
Getting a diagnosis
OSA is typically diagnosed with a home or clinic-based sleep study. These tests monitor your breathing, oxygen levels, and sleep quality overnight. They’re simple, non-invasive, and provide the insights needed to start treatment.
How it’s treated
Treatment depends on the cause and severity, but options include lifestyle changes like weight loss or adjusting sleep posture, CPAP therapy (a small device that keeps the airway open), custom oral devices that gently reposition the jaw, and ENT referrals for structural issues.
The goal is simple: better sleep, better energy, and lower cardiovascular risk.
When to act
If your sleep feels broken, your heart may be working harder than it should. The sooner you understand what’s happening at night, the sooner you can take back control of your health.
Book a private consultation today.
Sleep shouldn’t be a struggle.
