Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. These pauses can last from a few seconds to minutes and can happen multiple times per hour. The two main types are:
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): The most common form, caused by a blockage of the upper airway (e.g., due to relaxed throat muscles or excess tissue).
Central Sleep Apnea: Less common, caused by a failure of the brain to signal the muscles to breathe.
Complex Sleep Apnea: A combination of both OSA and central sleep apnea.
Symptoms and Signs
Common symptoms include loud snoring, gasping for air during sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness, difficulty concentrating, and irritability. People with sleep apnea often don’t realize they have it because they may not be aware of the breathing interruptions during sleep. Partners may notice these disruptions.
Health Risks – Blood & Oxygen
Untreated sleep apnea can have serious long-term health consequences, including:
Cardiovascular issues,
Type 2 diabetes
Daytime fatigue
Cognitive and mood issues
Diagnosis- why to look for
Sleep apnea is diagnosed through a combination of clinical evaluation and sleep studies (polysomnography), which monitor breathing patterns, oxygen levels, heart rate, and brain activity during sleep. A home sleep test may also be used in some cases.
Treatment Options-
Lifestyle changes: Weight loss, sleeping on your side, avoiding alcohol or sedatives before bedtime, and quitting smoking can help reduce symptoms.
Oral appliances: These are devices worn in the mouth to reposition the jaw and tongue, improving airflow.
Surgery: In severe cases, surgical options such as removing excess tissue, correcting anatomical issues, or even implanting devices may be recommended.
Prevalence and Risk Factors
being overweight, having a large neck circumference, age (it’s more common in middle-aged and older adults), being a male, having a family history of sleep apnea, or conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and nasal congestion.
