Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a breathing disorder, which occurs during sleep, due to the narrowing or total closure of the airway.

OSA is when the airway becomes completely blocked and breathing stops. The brain then detects the lack of oxygen and prompts a momentary arousal to draw breath. Although OSA sufferers may experience hundreds of apnea episodes per night, they are unlikely to remember any of them. In fact, if the sufferer lives alone or sleeps separately they may not be aware of their condition, even after many years.
Snoring can be a symptom of OSA
and is a noise created by the partial blocking of the airway. When you fall asleep your muscles relax, including those that control the tongue and throat. The soft tissue at the back of your throat can sag, narrowing the airway. Incoming air then makes the tissue at the rear roof of the mouth (the soft palate), the flap of skin hanging from the palate (uvula) and the throat vibrate - a sound we know as snoring.
Snoring is often no greater problem than the noise itself. However, loud snoring may be a sign of a more serious problem - OSA.

July 10, 2010 - Dr. Sokolina and her family treated her staff to a wonderful day of fun in the sun! Everyone drove up to upstate for a morning of horseback ridding at Bailiwick Ranch & Discovery Zoo located in Catskill, NY. Most of the staff went on horses into a trail in the woods with beautiful sceneries. Others went to the Discovery Zoo where they saw many domestic and farm animals; from goats, sheep, and caves to bunny rabbits and chickens!
After a nice snack in the park, we all drove to the family's summer house in Ashland, NY. On the way we stopped to take pictures of amazing mountain views! At the house everyone enjoyed delicious food & BBQ, laughs and relaxation.
Before our return back to Jersey, there was a nice walk and mushroom picking. It was definitely a day to remember! Please Enjoy pictures posted at: www.facebook.com Thank you for such a wonderful adventure Dr. Sokolina! -Staff