As someone who has personally endured sleep apnea, I understand its difficulties first hand. While affecting millions worldwide, sleep apnea often goes undetected and undiagnosed – this comprehensive guide aims to shed some light on its causes, symptoms and treatment methods for millions.
What Is Sleep Apnea (OSA or CSA)?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, often resulting in loud snoring, gasping or even choking sounds throughout the night that interfere with quality restful slumber. There are two primary forms of Sleep Apnea: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Central Sleep Apnea (CSA).
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), accounting for 84% of cases worldwide. OSA occurs when muscles in the back of throat fail to keep airway open despite efforts made to breathe normally; as a result, individuals will often wake frequently throughout the night without realizing why.
Central Sleep Apnea
Central Sleep Apnea (CSA), also referred to as Central Breathing Apnea (CBCA), occurs when a brain fails to send signals that control breathing during sleep to certain muscles that control it – potentially leading to brief interruptions to breathing that interrupt sleep cycles and cause disruptions in restful REM cycles. Though less prevalent than OSA cases (approx. 15%) it should not be overlooked when treating sleeping disorders like OSA and CSA are taken together.
Sleep Apnea Statistics
Sleep Apnea Statistics Sleep apnea affects approximately 22 million Americans; yet up to 80% of cases remain undetected and undiagnosed. Men are more likely to develop the disorder than women and it tends to affect older adults more commonly; additional risk factors for sleep apnea include obesity, smoking and family history of sleep apnea.
Sleep Apnea: Signs to Keep an Eye Out For
Sleep Apnea symptoms depend on its severity; some common indications include:
- Loud Snoring
- Gagging or Choking during Sleep
- Gasping or Choking during Sleep
- Excessive Daytime Sleepiness
- Wakening with Headache
- Irritability Difficulty Concentrating and Dry Mouth and Sore Throat.
Note: that not everyone who snores has sleep apnea; however, loud and persistent snoring could be indicative of this condition.
Sleep Apnea Risk Factors and Causes
Risk factors related to sleep apnea include:
- Obesity
- Smoking Alcohol and sedative use
- Family history of sleep apnea
- Age (over 40)
- Male gender
- Nasal congestion
- Large tonsils or adenoids
Diagnosis of Sleep Apnea
Diagnosing Sleep Apnea Its If you suspect that you might have sleep apnea, it is crucial that you visit with a healthcare provider immediately. A polysomnography test, also referred to as the Sleep Apnea Test can be completed either at a sleep center or home to diagnose this condition using sensors attached to your body that measure breathing patterns, oxygen levels and vital signs during restful slumber.
Home sleep apnea tests may also be recommended in some instances; this involves wearing a small device which measures breathing and oxygen levels while sleeping comfortably in your own bed.
Sleep Apnea Treatment Options Available Now
Sleep apnea treatment options range from lifestyle adjustments and medical interventions, with lifestyle modifications being one of the primary treatments available. Other popular choices for treatment may include:
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines are often the first-line treatment option for sleep apnea, featuring an airway mask worn over either nose or mouth to deliver a steady stream of air to keep airways open during sleeping hours. Although highly effective at treating this disorder, they may prove uncomfortable or cumbersome for use; depending on each person it could prove more or less successful depending on personal preferences and convenience levels.
Oral Appliances
Oral appliances are custom-made devices worn during sleep to reposition jaw and tongue movement to open airway passageways more effectively, typically used for mild-moderate sleep apnea cases as well as those who cannot tolerate CPAP therapy. They may help provide breathing support. Oral devices have many uses but should only be recommended in extreme circumstances or when alternative therapies such as CPAP cannot.
Surgery
Surgery may also be recommended as an effective means to address sleep apnea, including removal of extra throat tissue or correcting structural abnormalities that narrowing airways.
Tips to Help Treat Sleep Apnea
Lifestyle changes may also help manage sleep apnea symptoms, including:
- Losing Weight,
- Avoiding Alcohol & Sedatives,
- Sleeping on My Side (inclining head of bed higher),
- Quitting Smoking
- Using Humidifier
Sleep Apnea can affect anyone, though loud and persistent snoring could be indicative. Snoring occurs when airways become partially blocked, leading to vibrations in the throat that trigger its characteristic sound; should loud and persistent snoring occur alongside other symptoms associated with Sleep Apnea it should be reviewed by healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment options.
Final Words on Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder with potential serious effects. If you suspect having this issue, seeking professional diagnosis and treatment from healthcare practitioners as soon as possible. With appropriate medications and lifestyle modifications in place, managing sleep apnea can result in improved restful nights’ rest for both physical and psychological well being.
if you suspect sleep apnea, speak to your healthcare provider about receiving an evaluation test for it.
