What is positional Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Positional Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) happens when breathing problems occur during sleep, especially when someone is lying on their back. This position can cause the airway to become blocked, leading to snoring and pauses in breathing.

Key Points:

• What is it?: Positional OSA is a type of sleep apnea that is affected by the position of the body during sleep.
• Why does it happen?: When lying on the back, gravity can cause the tongue and soft tissues in the throat to collapse, blocking the airway.
• Symptoms: It includes loud snoring and pauses in breathing while sleeping.
• Management: Treatment can include positional therapy, where a person is encouraged to sleep on their side instead of their back, which can help keep the airway open.

Understanding and managing the body position during sleep can significantly improve the symptoms of positional OSA, and ensure a better night's sleep.