Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the tongue and soft palate collapse onto the back of the throat, blocking the upper airway. Loud, frequent snoring and daytime sleepiness are common symptoms of this sleep disorder. If left untreated, obstructive sleep apnea is a potentially life-threatening condition that can increase the risk for serious health problems from congestive heart failure, stroke, high blood pressure and heart disease to diabetes, obesity, depression and impotence.
