Certified Polysomnographic Technician (CPSGT) Practice Exam 2025 - Free CPSGT Practice Questions and Study Guide

Loud snoring followed by periods of silence is a distinctive characteristic of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This occurs due to the blockage of the upper airway during sleep, which leads to a cessation of breathing (apnea) for brief periods. The loud snoring typically happens when there is an attempt to breathe against this blockage. After the loud snoring, there may be a noticeable silence as airflow is interrupted, followed by a sudden gasp or choking sound when normal breathing resumes. This pattern is one of the key indicators that clinicians look for when assessing a patient for obstructive sleep apnea.

While frequent waking throughout the night, daytime fatigue, and insomnia symptoms can also be associated with sleep-related issues, they are not unique to obstructive sleep apnea and can be found in other sleep disorders or conditions. Therefore, the pattern of loud snoring paired with silent breathing interruptions is a hallmark sign of OSA and crucial for diagnosis.