Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that occurs when a person's breathing is interrupted during sleep. People with sleep apnea may stop breathing repeatedly during their sleep, with the frequency of interruptions varying from 5 to over 100 times per hour.

Types of Sleep Apnea

There are three main types of sleep apnea:

• Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): This is the most common type, caused by a blockage in the airway, usually due to the collapse of the soft tissues in the throat.
• Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): This type occurs when the brain fails to send signals to the muscles that control breathing, resulting in a lack of effort to breathe.
• Mixed Sleep Apnea: A combination of both OSA and CSA, where there is a blockage in the airway as well as a lack of effort to breathe.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

Common symptoms of sleep apnea include:

• Loud snoring
• Pauses in breathing during sleep, followed by gasping or choking
• Morning headaches
• Daytime fatigue and sleepiness
• Difficulty concentrating and paying attention
• Memory problems
• Irritability and mood changes
• Nocturia (waking up to use the bathroom multiple times during the night)
• Sweating and chest pain during sleep

Risk Factors for Sleep Apnea

Certain factors can increase a person's risk of developing sleep apnea, including:

• Overweight or obesity
• Age (sleep apnea is more common in older adults)
• Male sex (men are more likely to develop sleep apnea than women)
• Family history of sleep apnea
• Narrow airway or enlarged tonsils and adenoids
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland)
• Pregnancy
• Smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke

Treatments for Sleep Apnea

Treatment options for sleep apnea depend on the severity of the condition and may include:

• Lifestyle Changes: Weight loss, regular exercise, quitting smoking, and avoiding alcohol and sedatives before bedtime.
• Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Therapy: A machine that delivers a steady stream of air pressure into the airway through a mask, keeping the airway open during sleep.
• Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) Therapy: Similar to CPAP, but with two different levels of air pressure for inhalation and exhalation.
• Oral Appliances: Custom-made devices that advance the position of the jaw or hold the tongue forward, keeping the airway open during sleep.
• Surgery: Procedures to remove excess tissue in the throat, such as a tonsillectomy or uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), or to reposition the jaw.
• Alternative Therapies: Acupuncture, yoga, and cognitive behavioral therapy may help alleviate symptoms of sleep apnea.

Complications of Untreated Sleep Apnea

If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to serious health complications, including:

• High blood pressure and cardiovascular disease
• Stroke and heart attack
• Type 2 diabetes
• Obesity and metabolic syndrome
• Cognitive impairment and dementia
• Motor vehicle accidents and workplace injuries due to excessive daytime sleepiness

Diagnosis of Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is typically diagnosed through a combination of:

• Medical History: A thorough review of symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle habits.
• Physical Examination: An examination of the throat, nose, and mouth to look for signs of airway obstruction.
• Sleep Study: An overnight sleep study, either at home or in a sleep laboratory, to monitor breathing patterns, oxygen levels, and other physiological activities during sleep.