> What is OSA?

> Symptoms

> Morbidity

> Diagnosis

> Treatment

Morbidity

OSA is as common as asthma or adult diabetes. However, a lack of awareness by both the public and health care professionals has left the vast majority of sufferers undiagnosed. Untreated OSA contributes to hypertension, heart disease, risk of stroke, automobile accidents, and increases risk of death. Drivers are up to 13 times more likely to have an automobile accident if they have untreated OSA. A poll conducted by the National Sleep Foundation found 62% of all adults surveyed had driven a car while feeling drowsy and over 25% admitted they had actually dozed off while driving.

OSA contributes to the following physical problems:

• Heart disease
• Hypertension
• Arrhythmias
• Congestive heart failure
• Stroke
• Sexual dysfunction
• Depression
• Weight gain
• Headaches
• Kidney disease
• Immune deficiencies

OSA also contributes to the following performance problems: difficulty staying awake and alert; difficulty concentrating; decreased reaction time; increased motor vehicle and job-related accidents; learning and memory difficulty; irritability and decreased productivity.