Repetitive episodes of upper airway obstruction may occur during sleep, often accompanied by reduced oxygen saturation. Such episodes are accompanied in almost all cases by snoring.
Apneas often end with a snort or wheeze. Apneas lead to sleep fragmentation resulting in excessive daytime sleepiness. The trend generally is chronic.
Systems involved:
- the respiratory, nervous and cardiovascular systems.
- Incidence/prevalence: 4% of men middle-aged 2% of women middle-aged, predominant age 50/60 years.
- Predominant sex: percentage males 60%, females 40%.
