Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a chronic disorder characterized by inadequate air flow during sleep due to repetitive collapse of the upper airway. Repetitive sleep disruption may result in daytime symptoms and may have long-term hemodynamic consequences. These recurring episodes may involve apnea (>10 seconds of absent airflow) and/or hypopnea. Risk factors include obesity and crowding of the oropharynx, which can be caused by micrognathia, macroglossia, or other anatomic variations. The contribution of smoking, chronic nasal congestion, and/or family history on the development of OSA is unclear.

Signs and symptoms include excessive daytime fatigue, sleep disturbance, headaches, snoring, bradypnea, hypercapnia, hypoxemia, and awakening gasping for breath. OSA poses an increased risk of motor vehicle accidents, cardiovascular disease, and perioperative anesthesia complications.

OSA is a very common disease, with an estimated prevalence of approximately 15%-30% in male individuals and 5%-15% in female individuals depending on the stringency of the definition used.

OSA is a chronic disease, which, if left untreated, can lead to cardiopulmonary complications that can be irreversible. If suspected, it is treatable either through modifiable lifestyle changes, breathing devices, or surgery.