Understanding Moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

Moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. It is a more severe form of OSA than mild OSA, but not as severe as severe OSA.

With moderate OSA, you may have periods of apnea (no breathing) that last for 10 seconds or longer, and you may have these episodes multiple times per hour. This can lead to disrupted sleep, daytime sleepiness, and other health problems.

Symptoms of moderate OSA may include:

* Loud snoring

* Witnessed apneas (pauses in breathing)

* Gasping or choking during sleep

* Morning headaches

* Daytime sleepiness

* Difficulty concentrating

* Irritability

* Mood swings

* Increased risk of accidents

* Heart problems

* Stroke

If you think you may have moderate OSA, it is important to see a doctor for evaluation and treatment. Treatment for moderate OSA may include:

* Lifestyle changes, such as weight loss, exercise, and avoiding alcohol and caffeine before bed

* Oral appliance therapy, which involves wearing a device that helps to keep your airway open during sleep

* Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, which involves wearing a mask that delivers pressurized air to your throat

* Surgery to remove or correct any anatomical abnormalities that may be contributing to OSA