Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Symptoms, Causes, Treatments, and Natural Approaches

Nearly 30 million Americans have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), while 80 percent remain undiagnosed—and untreated.

Frequent, loud snoring is a key warning sign of obstructive sleep apnea. Illustration by The Epoch Times, Shutterstock

Sleep apnea is a potentially life-threatening condition in which the airway becomes partially or completely blocked, causing repeated breathing interruptions during sleep. This leads to chronic oxygen deprivation and fragmented sleep, affecting daily functioning and quality of life.

Nearly 30 million Americans have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), yet 80 percent of them remain undiagnosed—and therefore untreated. Left untreated, OSA significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, cognitive decline, and numerous other chronic conditions. It can even lead to premature death.