Cure For Snore: Non-Surgical Management of Sleep Apnea

Sleep disorder breathing is characterized by repetitive upper airway obstruction and consequent oxyhaemoglobin desaturation during the deeper stages of sleep. The disorder is due to combination of both abnormal upper airway anatomy and yet to be determined afferent/efferent somatosensory loop. Apnea is defined as a cessation of airflow (breathing) lasting for at least 10 seconds. Hypo-apnea is a 50% reduction in airflow for 10 seconds or more, usually associated with a fall in blood oxygen saturation. The Apnea Index (AI) is the number of apneic episodes per hour of sleep. The total number of apneic and hypoapneic episodes per hour of sleep is referred to as the ApneaHypopnea Index (AHI) or the RespiratoryDisturbance Index (RDI). OSA is still a poorly recognized medical condition that affects approximately 4% and 2% of the middle aged male and female population, respectively. The medical ramifications of this condition are significant, may be life threatening for adults and has also been linked to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).