Scientists have developed a novel way to address a deadly disorder that afflicts at least 30 million Americans.<\/p>\n
Researchers from the University of California<\/a> San Diego developed a new implant that helps people with sleep apnea breathe better at night without the bulkiness of a breathing machine. It targets specific nerves in the tongue to keep the airway open while sleeping.<\/p>\n Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a serious sleep disorder in which the soft palate and throat muscles relax during sleep, repeatedly blocking the airway<\/a>. This causes a person to snore and jerk awake as they choke for air.<\/p>\n Unlike older versions of the implant, this device is easier to insert and does not require an overnight procedure to map the tongue beforehand.<\/p>\n In a recent trial, nearly 60 percent of patients who received the implant had far fewer breathing interruptions during sleep and felt less tired during the day. No serious complications were reported.<\/p>\n For people who cannot tolerate a CPAP machine \u2014 a face mask<\/a>\u00a0with an elephant trunk-like tube that connects to a breathing machine \u2014 this may be a promising alternative.<\/p>\n Over time, the frequent breathing interruptions caused by OSA stress the heart, flood the body with fight-or-flight hormones and cause blood pressure to rise and stay high.\u00a0<\/p>\n That chronic stress on the cardiovascular system damages blood vessels, drives up blood sugar and increases the risk of heart attack, stroke and diabetes<\/a>. The resulting exhaustion is a separate but equally dangerous consequence.<\/p>\n Obstructive sleep apnea is a serious condition where the soft palate and throat muscles relax during sleep, blocking the airway over and over. This leads to loud snoring and gasping awake as the person struggles to breathe (stock)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n![\"Obstructive](\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2026\/04\/20\/18\/108026631-15749341-image-a-22_1776706599853.jpg\")
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