Sleep Apnea: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

Sleep apnea is a common condition, in which a person has problem in breathing. Obstructive Sleep Apnea is one of the most common types of sleep apnea. It is caused by obstruction of the upper respiratory tract. This form of sleep apnea is characterized by recurring pauses in breathing during sleeping. This obstruction happens, most commonly, due to a reduction in blood oxygen saturation.

Its major signs and symptoms include loud and continual snoring. Other symptoms are:

• Morning headaches
• Memory or learning problems and not being able to concentrate
• Feeling irritable, depressed, or having mood swings or personality changes
• Waking up frequently to urinate
• Dry mouth or sore throat when you wake up

There are three kinds of Sleep Apnea;

1. Central Sleep Apnea (CSA)
2. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
3. Complex Sleep Apnea (Combination of Complex and Obstructive)

CSA happens due to insufficient respiratory effort. On the other hand, Complex sleep apnea is a mixture of both OSA and CSA.

Regardless of the fact that Sleep Apnea occurs regardless of age and gender, yet OSA is much common in females. The topic “Influence of Gender on C-Reactive Protein, Fibrinogen, and Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate in Obstructive Sleep Apnea” by Bentham Science Publishers discusses the details regarding protein bindings with fibrinogens and erythrocytes sedimentation rates. Their research provides adequate information based on CRP and fibrinogen level. They also explain the systemic inflammatory markers relating it with female physiological activity that supports OSA more in females than males.