Impact on Patients

Untreated snoring can reduce sleep quality for the snorer and their bed partner. It may cause:

• Daytime drowsiness
• Irritability
• Impaired cognitive function
• Decreased libido
• Psychological/relationship issues

Untreated OSA can lead to significant daytime sleepiness and increased risk of motor vehicle and occupational accidents. The continual physiological stresses of upper airway obstruction have also been shown to increase risk of:

• High blood pressure
• Atrial fibrillation
• Heart failure
• Stroke
• Type 2 diabetes

Sufferers of severe OSA may wake regularly during the night gasping for breath. Being overweight or having a large neck size can increase airway collapsibility. Alcohol and drug use can also increase relaxation of soft tissues and worsen the effect.