Dead Air: The Perils of Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common type of sleep apnea caused by the relaxation of the throat muscles during sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is typical among overweight people but can definitely affect anyone.

Central sleep apnea is the least common type of sleep apnea wherein the breathing control center of the brain fails to send proper signals to the breathing muscles. As a result, the person affected does not make an effort to breathe for brief periods of time during sleep.

Complex sleep apnea syndrome is also known as treatment-emergent central sleep apnea, which occurs when obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea exist together.

According to 2016 data collected by the Berger Henry ENT Specialty Group, 1 in 5 adults suffers from mild obstructive sleep apnea.