Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a serious sleep disorder that occurs when the muscles that support the soft tissues in your throat, such as your tongue and soft palate, temporarily relax. When these muscles relax, your airway is narrowed or closed, and breathing is momentarily cut off. Periods when breathing stops are called apnea events.
If you are diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, your doctor will discuss several treatment options. The most common two are CPAP and/or a custom dental appliance.