What Is Sleep Apnea?

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea affects about 20 million people in the United States. It takes its name from the Greek word apnea, which means “without breath.” People with sleep apnea literally stop breathing repeatedly as many as hundreds of times during a single night.

Causes Of Obstructive
Sleep Apnea?

The exact cause of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) remains unclear. The site of obstruction commonly is the soft palate, extending to the region at the base of the tongue. As the person with OSA falls asleep, these muscles relax to a point where the airway collapses and becomes obstructed.

When the airway closes, breathing stops and the patient awakens to open the airway. The arousal from sleep usually lasts only a few seconds, but brief arousals disrupt continuous sleep and prevent the person from reaching the deep stages which the body needs in order to rest and replenish its strength. Once normal breathing is restored, the person falls asleep only to repeat the cycle throughout the night.

Risk Factors?

1. The primary risk factor is excessive weight gain.

2. Loss of muscle mass with age is another prominent risk factor.

3. Men have a greater risk for OSA. Male hormones can cause structural changes in the upper airway.

4. Enlarged tonsils and adenoids in children

5. Use of alcohol and sedative drugs, which relax the musculature in the surrounding upper airway

Signs and Symptoms?

Loud Snoring

Morning Headaches

Unrefreshing Sleep

Dry Mouth

Overweight

Depression

Difficulty Concentrating

Reduced Libido

Insomnia

Frequent Nocturnal Urination

Restless Sleep

Nocturnal Snorting, Gasping, Choking

Excessive Daytime Sleepiness Patients with OSA often complain of waking up feeling like they had never slept at all.

Automobile Accidents Lack of alertness and sleep deprivation may cause some drivers to fall asleep at the wheel leading to automobile accidents.

Hypertension is prevalent in patients with OSA. Treating OSA can lower blood pressure.

Not everybody who snores has sleep apnea, but if two or more of the above symptoms are present the person should consider consulting a sleep specialist

Why Should You Care?

Sleep apnea is a risk factor for hypertension, stroke, coronary artery disease and diabetes and is also associated with increased risk of death.

How Do I Find Out If
I Have Sleep Apnea?

To determine if a person has sleep apnea they need to undergo a sleep study (polysomnogram) and consult with a sleep specialist.

How Is Sleep Apnea Treated ?

Several treatment options exist for dealing with OSA. These include

1. Weight reduction

2. Positive pressure therapy (CPAP/ BiPAP) This essentially “splints” the upper airway open and keeps it from collapsing.

3. Oral appliances

4. Surgical Treatment