Obstructive Sleep Apnoea: A Comprehensive Review

Introduction Sleep is that golden chain that ties health and our bodies together; any disruption in its pattern is detrimental to health. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a common yet often underdiagnosed sleep disorder characterized by intermittent episodes of complete or partial upper airway obstruction during sleep. These disruptions lead to frequent arousals, decreased sleep quality, and various health complications. The disorder affects both adults and children, with significant long-term implications if left untreated. Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) affects 2% to 4% of middle aged adults.1 Obstructive sleep apnoea is the most common type of sleep apnoea and is caused by obstruction of the upper airway. It is characterized by repetitive pauses in breathing during sleep, despite the effort to breathe, and is usually associated with reduction in blood oxygen saturation. These pauses in breathing, called “apnoeas” typically last 20 to 40 secs. OSA causes both fragmented sleep and oxygen desaturation. It is characterized by repetitive pharyngeal collapse at the level of the soft palate or base of tongue. Obstructive sleep disordered breathing is relatively common medical problem. It consists of a spectrum ranging from apnoea to hypopnea. Obstructive apnoea refers to the temporary cessation of airflow during sleep for 10secs or more despite continuos effort, whereas hypopnea means reduction of 30% to 50% in airflow for 10secs or more. Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) affects 2% to 4% of middle aged adults.2