What is sleep apnoea?

“Apnoea” means temporary cessation of breathing.
In obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS), frequent pauses of breathing occur during sleep due to closure of the air passage in the pharynx.

Signs and symptoms

OSAS is diagnosed by sleep monitoring (polysomnography).
Heavy snoring and excessive daytime sleepiness are common symptoms of OSAS.

DayNight

Excessive sleepiness
Impaired performance
Morning headache
Intellectual deterioration
Impaired memory
Impaired concentration
Depressive symptoms
Heartburn

Snoring
Apnoeas
Restless sleep
Insomnia
Nocturnal choking
Arousals
Sweating
Reduced libido/impotence