Obstructive sleep apnea

Obstructive Sleep Apnea is where you stop breathing for 10 seconds or more. 

A sleep study measures the Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) and represents how many disruptions you have each hour you sleep. 

1-4 AHI means no or minimal OSA

5-14 AHI means mild OSA

15-29 AHI means moderate OSA

30+ AHI means severe OSA

OSA can happen when our airways or jaws developed too small. There can also be a blockage from tissue like the tongue, tonsils or adenoids.

Adults can experience: excessive daytime sleepiness, loud snoring, waking gasping or choking, waking with a dry mouth, morning headaches, trouble focusing, depression, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and decreased interest in sex.  

When a child has even one apnea an hour during a sleep study, they are diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea.