Obstructive sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by temporary pauses in breathing due to a constricted airway, which disrupts deep sleep and reduces oxygen levels. Treatment is essential to keep the airway open and prevent negative health effects.

The main signs of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) include loud snoring interrupted by periods of silence, gasping for breath during sleep, and various symptoms such as extreme daytime sleepiness, irritability, and impaired memory. Although snoring is common, it is not a definitive indicator of OSA because individuals can have OSA without snoring and vice versa.

Obstructive sleep apnea is diagnosed through a physician's inquiry about symptoms like snoring and daytime sleepiness, along with a medical exam of the airway and the use of screening tools such as the STOP-Bang questionnaire and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. The definitive diagnosis is confirmed by conducting a polysomnography (sleep study) test that measures sleep stages and cycles.

The main medical treatments for obstructive sleep apnea include continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, which is the gold standard, and mandibular advancement devices (MADs) for people who cannot tolerate CPAP. Although CPAP is generally more effective, some people may find it uncomfortable, and MADs may be less effective overall because a significant number of people who use MADs show no improvement.

Antioxidants and nitrate supplements have been studied for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and some evidence suggests that supplemental vitamin D may improve symptoms in certain people. However, the overall understanding of the relationship between these supplements and OSA remains inconclusive, and inconsistent results have been reported in various studies.

Diet can significantly affect obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) because obesity is a major risk factor; various diets, particularly those with anti-inflammatory properties, have been associated with reduced OSA risk. Studies have shown that both a paleo-style diet (only in people who experienced weight loss) and the Mediterranean diet (with lifestyle changes) can improve OSA symptoms.

Surgery is an alternative treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) for people who cannot tolerate CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) therapy and focuses on removing excess tissue or remodeling the airway. Additionally, lifestyle interventions — such as diet changes, reducing alcohol consumption, and exercise — can effectively improve OSA symptoms and may even eliminate the need for CPAP in some individuals.

Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by a temporarily constricted airway during sleep, which can be influenced by factors such as individual physiology, large neck circumference, obesity, and chronic inflammation. These factors can lead to a blockage that interrupts breathing.