Do you snore loudly while sleeping? Or does your sleep often get interrupted by a lack of oxygen intake? Well, there is a high probability that you have been suffering from Sleep Apnea.
Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder in which people snore loudly as their breathing repeatedly stops and starts. Besides this, they may also experience tiredness even after taking long hours of naps.
The word “Apnea” comes from the Greek word which means “breathless”. It happens because of the blockage in your airways or because your brain is unable to send the signal to the muscles which help in breathing. When you lack oxygen while sleeping, your brain activates a survival reflex that wakes you up to breathe sufficiently.
Although this reflex saves you from getting out of breath but interrupts your sleep cycle, leaving you restless. People are more likely to develop sleep apnea with increasing count of age. Besides this, having excess weight or obesity also increases the chances of adopting sleep apnea.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a disorder that occurs when a person’s breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep. The most common symptoms of sleep apnea include the following-
- Loud Snoring: People with sleep apnea often snore loudly and frequently, as the airway becomes partially blocked during sleep.
- Episodes of Stopped Breathing: People with sleep apnea may experience episodes of controlled breathing, or apneas, during sleep. These episodes can last for a few seconds to a minute or more and occur several times an hour.
- Gasping or Choking During Sleep: People with sleep apnea may gasp or block during sleep as they try to resume breathing after an episode of stopped breathing.
- Daytime Fatigue: Sleep apnea can cause people to wake up frequently during the night, leading to sleep deprivation and daytime fatigue.
- Morning Headaches: People with sleep apnea may wake up with headaches, as the lack of oxygen during episodes of stopped breathing can cause the blood vessels in the brain to constrict.
- Difficulty Concentrating : Sleep apnea can also cause problems with concentration and memory, as the brain does not receive enough oxygen during sleep.
- Mood Swings: People with sleep apnea may experience irritability, depression, or other mood changes due to sleep deprivation and the stress of struggling to breathe during sleep.
*If you suspect that you or someone you know may have sleep apnea, it is important to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Types of Sleep Apnea
There are three main types of sleep apnea-
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common type. It occurs when the muscles in the throat relax during sleep, causing the airway to become narrowed or blocked. This leads to episodes of stopped breathing and a reduction in oxygen levels in the blood.
- Central sleep apnea (CSA) occurs when the brain fails to send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. As a result, the person may not try to breathe for brief periods during sleep.
- Complex sleep apnea syndrome (formerly known as treatment-emergent central sleep apnea or TECSA) is a type of sleep apnea that combines both obstructive and central sleep apnea. It occurs when a person has both types of sleep apnea or develops central sleep apnea due to treatment for obstructive sleep apnea.
See a doctor for a proper diagnosis to determine the type of sleep apnea you have, as this will help guide treatment. Treatment options may include lifestyle changes, such as weight loss and avoiding alcohol and sedative medications, and the use of devices such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines.
Causes of Sleep Apnea
Several factors can contribute to the development of sleep apnea, including-
- Obesity: Excess weight, especially around the neck, can increase the risk of sleep apnea. The excess fat tissue can put pressure on the airway and make it more likely to become blocked during sleep.
- Age: The risk of sleep apnea increases with age, as the muscles in the throat tend to weaken over time.
- Gender: Men are more likely to develop sleep apnea than women, although the risk increases in women after menopause.
- Family History: Sleep apnea can run in families, suggesting that there may be a genetic component to the disorder.
- Smoking: Smoking can irritate the airway and increase the risk of sleep apnea.
- Alcohol and Sedative Use: Alcohol and sedative medications can relax the muscles in the throat and increase the risk of sleep apnea.
- Structural Abnormalities: Certain structural abnormalities in the airway, such as a small jaw or a deviated septum, can increase the risk of sleep apnea.
It is essential to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment if you suspect that you may have sleep apnea. Treatment options may include lifestyle changes and devices such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines.
Treatment of Sleep Apnea
The best treatment for sleep apnea will depend on the severity of the disorder and the specific cause. Some standard treatment options include-
- Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Therapy : It is the most common treatment for sleep apnea. It involves using a machine that delivers constant airflow through a mask worn over the nose or mouth. The airflow helps keep the airway open and prevent episodes of stopped breathing.
- Oral Appliances : These devices are worn in the mouth and help hold the lower jaw in a forward position, which can help keep the airway open during sleep. Oral appliances are usually recommended for mild to moderate sleep apnea.
- Lifestyle Changes: Making specific lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, quitting smoking, and avoiding alcohol and sedative medications, can help improve sleep apnea.
- Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat sleep apnea. Surgery can involve removing the excess tissue from the airway or repositioning the jaw or tongue.
It is important to work with a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment for your specific case of sleep apnea. The treatment plan may include a combination of different approaches.