Sleep Apnea Types, Causes, Symptoms, And Treatment

Sleep Apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by interruptions in breathing during sleep, leading to disrupted sleep patterns and inadequate oxygen intake. When breathing pauses, the brain prompts the individual to awaken partially to resume breathing, preventing deep, restorative sleep. Although manageable with prescribed treatments, untreated sleep apnea can lead to various severe complications over time. This includes an increased risk of cardiovascular problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep Apnea Types

Sleep Apnea Symptoms

• Feeling extremely tired after a whole night's sleep.
• Daytime sleepiness, sometimes leading to drowsiness during daily activities.
• Snoring, though not everyone with Sleep Apnea snores.
• Mood changes like depression or anxiety.
• Brain function disruptions cause memory loss or trouble concentrating.
• Waking up multiple times during the night, which might have yet to be remembered.
• Others notice pauses in breathing while sleeping.
• Unusual breathing patterns like Cheyne-Stokes breathing.
• Insomnia, night sweats, and restlessness at night.
• Sexual dysfunction and waking up feeling short of breath or choking.
• Headaches, particularly upon waking up.

Sleep Apnea Symptoms in Children

• Hyperactivity or trouble focusing in school.
• Loud snoring.
• Bedwetting.
• Frequent arm or leg movements during sleep.
• Sleeping in unusual positions.
• Experiencing reflux or night sweats.

Sleep Apnea Risk Factors

Obstructive Sleep Apnea risk factors:

• Excess weight
• Thick neck
• Family history
• Alcohol and sedatives
• Smoking
• Nasal congestion
• Medical conditions

Central Sleep Apnea risk factors:

• Age : Older individuals, mainly middle-aged and older adults, are at a higher risk.
• Gender: Men are more commonly affected than women.
• Heart disorders: Congestive heart failure raises the risk.
• Narcotic pain medicines : Long-acting opioids like methadone can increase the risk.
• Stroke: Previous stroke history is associated with a higher risk.

Sleep Apnea Diagnosis

• Keep a sleep diary to track symptoms.
• Ask someone to observe your sleep.
• Record audio/video of your sleep.
• Consult a healthcare provider.
• Share recorded evidence for evaluation.

Sleep Apnea Treatment

• Conservative treatments: These include lifestyle changes such as losing weight, avoiding alcohol and sedatives before bedtime, and sleeping on your side rather than your back to keep your airway open.
• Positive airway pressure: Devices like continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) use air pressure to keep your airway open during sleep, preventing Apnea episodes.
• Oral appliances: These custom-made dental devices help keep your airway open by adjusting the position of your tongue and jaw while you sleep.
• Nerve stimulators : These devices are surgically implanted and work by stimulating the nerves that control the muscles in your airway, helping to keep it open during sleep.
• Surgery : Surgical options for sleep apnea may involve removing excess tissue from the throat, repositioning the jaw, or performing other procedures to improve airflow.
• Medications: Certain medications may be prescribed to treat underlying conditions contributing to central Sleep Apnea, such as medications to stabilize breathing patterns.