Snoring is not a medical issue for many people. However, when loud and persistent snoring is observed by a friend or partner and the snorer has symptoms such as daytime sleepiness, irritability, lack of focus and a decrease of libido; these symptoms may indicate a more serious problem such as Obstructive Sleep Apena (OSA). Snoring is caused by a blockage of the airway, usually when the soft tissue in the back of the throat collapses and closes during sleep.
How common is it?Sleep apnea is as common as adult diabetes, and affects more than twelve million people, according to the National Institute of Health. Risk factors include being overweight and over the age of forty, but sleep apnea can strike anyone at any age, even children. Yet because of the lack of awareness by the public and health care professionals, the vast majority remain undiagnosed and therefore untreated, despite the fact that this serious disorder can have significant consequences.
