Obstructive sleep apnea 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.

The most common signs and symptoms of OSA include

• Snoring

• Daytime sleepiness or fatigue.

• Restlessness during sleep

• Sudden awakenings

• Frequent nighttime awakenings

• Dry mouth or sore throat upon awakening

In adults, the most common cause of obstructive sleep apnea is excess weight and obesity, which is associated with the soft tissue of the mouth and throat. During sleep, when throat and tongue muscles are more relaxed, this soft tissue can cause the airway to become blocked.

Is there a sleep apnea cure? For central sleep apnea: No. For obstructive sleep apnea: possibly surgery (ie, a tracheostomy), though it's highly invasive, requires a special plug or tube to talk normally, and other harmful potential side effects common to any surgery.