Sleep apnea is a serious and potentially dangerous sleep disorder that affects millions of Americans. Individuals with sleep apnea experience periods of interrupted breathing throughout the night, which can range from a few seconds to minutes. These interruptions prevent the body from reaching REM sleep, the deep restorative sleep stage where healing and replenishment occur. Over time, untreated sleep apnea can lead to severe health complications.
Understanding Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea occurs when a person temporarily stops breathing during sleep. These episodes, also called “apneas,” can happen up to 30 times per hour. As a result, sleep is repeatedly interrupted, making it hard for the body to fully rest.
Many people with sleep apnea go undiagnosed, with studies suggesting that 1 in 50 Americans may have the disorder without knowing. Often, it’s a bed partner who first notices the issue, alerted by the distinctive snorting or gasping sound when the affected person resumes breathing.
Who Can Get Sleep Apnea?
While sleep apnea can affect anyone, including children, men are diagnosed more frequently than women. However, as we age, the risk levels out, affecting both men and women equally.
Types of Sleep Apnea
There are three main types of sleep apnea:
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): The most common type, OSA occurs when the soft tissues in the throat and palate relax and block the airway.
- Central Sleep Apnea: This type occurs when the brain fails to send the signal to breathe. As a result, breathing stops for short periods until the brain “remembers” to signal the lungs again.
- Complex Sleep Apnea: A combination of obstructive and central sleep apnea, complex sleep apnea is less common and more complicated to treat.
Risk Factors for Sleep Apnea
While genetics play a minor role, there are several controllable factors that significantly increase the risk of developing sleep apnea:
- Excess Weight: Being overweight, especially with a neck circumference over 17 inches for men or 15 inches for women, increases your risk.
- Smoking: Smokers are more likely to develop sleep apnea due to airway inflammation.
- Alcohol and Sedative Use: Both relax the muscles in the throat, increasing the likelihood of obstructed airflow.
- Underlying Health Conditions: Congestive heart failure or a history of stroke can make a person more prone to developing central sleep apnea.
Common Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Recognizing the symptoms of sleep apnea can help you seek treatment early. Common signs include:
- Daytime fatigue and difficulty staying awake
- Loud snoring or gasping for air during sleep
- Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat
- Frequent headaches, especially in the morning
- Insomnia or frequent wake-ups throughout the night
Diagnosis
Diagnosing sleep apnea typically involves a medical exam and a sleep study. There are two main ways to diagnose sleep apnea:
- Overnight Sleep Study (Polysomnography): This test is conducted at a sleep center or hospital, where your heart rate, lung activity, and brain wave patterns are monitored while you sleep.
- Home Sleep Test: A simpler version of the polysomnography test can be done at home. If the results are inconclusive, an in-lab sleep study may still be needed.
Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea
Fortunately, there are several treatment options available for managing sleep apnea, depending on the severity of your condition.
- CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure): The most common treatment, CPAP involves wearing a mask that delivers air pressure to keep the airways open during sleep.
- APAP (Automatic Positive Airway Pressure): APAP machines adjust air pressure automatically throughout the night, offering more comfort for some patients.
- BiPAP (Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure): Unlike CPAP, BiPAP delivers a lower pressure during exhalation and allows doctors to set it to a specific breath rate.
- Oral Appliances: These devices, similar to mouthguards, are ideal for those with mild obstructive sleep apnea. They work by keeping the airway open, preventing blockage.
- Surgery: In severe cases, doctors may recommend surgery to remove excess tissue from the throat or soft palate, which helps open up the airway.
Managing Sleep Apnea for a Healthier Life
While sleep apnea has no permanent cure, effective treatments can help manage the symptoms and allow you to achieve the deep, restorative sleep your body needs. If you suspect sleep apnea, consult a doctor and undergo a sleep study to improve your health.
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