Final answer:
Sleeping on the back is harmful for patients with obstructive sleep apnea because it increases the risk of airway obstruction. Symptoms such as snoring and daytime sleepiness can occur, and treatments often include CPAP machines and lifestyle modifications like sleeping on one's side.
Step-by-step explanation:
The position of sleeping that is harmful for a patient with a history of obstructive sleep apnea is sleeping on the back. This position may increase the risk of airway obstruction during sleep because it allows the tongue and throat muscles to relax and fall back into the airway. This can cause a temporary blockage that interrupts normal breathing patterns.
Obstructive sleep apnea is often caused by excessive relaxation of the throat muscles, obesity-related tissue pressure, or other physical obstructions in the airway. Symptoms include loud snoring, restless sleep, daytime sleepiness, and even long-term complications such as high blood pressure. Treatments can range from lifestyle changes like weight loss and side-sleeping to using a CPAP machine or undergoing surgery to remove obstructive tissue.