Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) occurs when the tongue and soft palate collapse onto the back of the throat. This blocks the upper airway causing air flow to stop. When the oxygen level drops low enough the brain moves out of deep sleep and the individual partially awakens.

The airway then contracts and opens causing the obstruction in the throat to clear. The flow of air starts again usually with a loud gasp. When the air flow starts again you then move back into a deep sleep.

The airway muscles collapse, as you awaken with a gasp. The airway clears once again as the process repeats itself.

This scenario may occur many times during the night. The combination of low oxygen levels and fragmented sleep are the major contributors to most of the ill effects that the sleep apnea patient suffers.  Sleep apnea patients are much more likely to suffer from heart problems (heart attack, congestive heart failure, hypertension) and strokes, as well as having a higher incidence of work related and driving related accidents. 

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