1. WHAT IS OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA1 A common disorder, Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is characterized by pauses in breathing or shallow breaths during sleep. OSA is a chronic condition, which means it does not resolve spontaneously, and is rarely cured. By Team V5 SOLUTIONS

2. SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS OF OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA Loud frequent snoring, increased age and obesity with increased neck size are the three best predictors of having OSA. If your partner complains about your snoring or says that you gasp for breath during the night (especially if you make a loud snorting or choking sound), this is a sign you might have obstructive sleep apnea. Other symptoms may include one or more of the following: *Sleepiness during the day *Morning headaches *Memory, learning, or concentration *problems *Irritability, depression, mood swings, or personality changes *Needing to urinate at night *Waking up with a dry throat Of course, not all people who show these symptoms have obstructive sleep apnea. If you experience these symptoms, tell your doctor, who will review your history, and possibly perform non-invasive tests to make a diagnosis. Obstructive sleep apnea ranges in severity, and can be mild, moderate, or severe. And while there is no cure for obstructive sleep apnea, there is treatment that can help reduce snoring, and help you get better sleep. By Team V5 SOLUTIONS

3. WHAT CAUSES OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA2 Large tongue and tonsils Obesity Getting Older Short Chin and neck shape By Team V5 SOLUTIONS

4. HEALTH RISKS OF OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA2 Left untreated, Obstructive Sleep Apnea can trigger the release of stress hormones, change how your body uses energy, and, of course, make you feel tired and sleepy during the day. But even if you don’t have daytime sleepiness, obstructive sleep apnea still puts you at higher risk for: High blood pressure Heart attack, heart failure Stroke Irregular heartbeats Diabetes Driving or work-related accidents By Team V5 SOLUTIONS

5. TREATMENT FOR OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA In addition to lifestyle changes and surgery, CPAP therapy has been an accepted treatment for OSA. A CPAP machine is a blower that connects by a tube to a mask that fits over your mouth or nose, blowing air so that a continuous pressure in the airway is maintained. This constant pressure keeps the airway from collapsing allowing normal breathing. By Team V5 SOLUTIONS