A New Methodology for Monitoring OSA Patients Based on IoT

The Greek word "apnea" literally means "without breath". Sleep apnea is an involuntary cessation of breathing that occurs while the patient is asleep. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), also called obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, occurs when the upper airway suffers repeated episodes of complete or partial blockage during sleep. During an obstructive sleep apnea episode, the diaphragm and chest muscles work harder to open the obstructed airway and pull air into the lungs. Breathing usually resumes with a loud gasp, snort, or body jerk. These episodes can interfere with sound sleep. They can also reduce the flow of oxygen to vital organs and cause irregular heart rhythms. Left unmonitored and untreated, OSA can ultimately turn into a life-threatening disease. Today as Internet of Things (IoT) becomes a much needed reality, people have a desire to see their daily used smart-gadgets perform more and more tasks, especially in helping them live a healthier, active and better life. Gone are the days of the technologically challenged generation. People are now aware of different devices and applications that help track, monitor and analyze different health metrics which can prove really effective in diagnosing various life-threatening diseases. This paper proposes a new methodology based on the IoT to help monitor patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and similar life-threatening diseases.