All You Need to Know about Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is one form of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). According to the Mayo Clinic, apnea is from the Greek word which means without breath. The Journal of the American Medical Association says that as many as 16% of Americans have mild to moderately severe SDB and that 7.5% have moderately severe SDB.

During sleep apnea there is no movement of the muscles that control breathing and the volume of the lungs initially remains unchanged.

A person with sleep apnea will wake up several times a night in order to restart their breathing. Sleep apnea is a potentially dangerous disorder that can lead to cardiac problems, brain damage and even death.

There are three defined types of apnea:

- Obstructive sleep apnea, which is the most common form;
- Central sleep apnea;
- Complex sleep apnea.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea or OSA is characterized by a blockage of air passage through the nose and mouth. The blockage of air is quite often a result of obesity, especially heaviness in the face and neck, or from decrease in muscle tone resulting in the collapse of the airway.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Central Sleep Apnea

Central sleep apnea or CSA is less seen as a respiratory disorder. It is often characterized by the delayed message for breath from the brain. Any defect in the central nervous system can be the major cause of this type of sleep apnea.

Complex Sleep Apnea

Complex sleep apnea is a combined disorder of both OSA and CSA.

Basic facts about sleep apnea:

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• It is a life threatening disorder


• It is a progressive disorder


• Successful treatment is possible

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea:

• Regular blockage of air passage


• Loud snoring


• Frequent waking to normalize breathing


• Sweating during night


• Dry mouth, sore throat


• Sleepiness during day time


• Lethargy


• Loss of memory


• Morning fatigue when waking


• Change in personality


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• Depression

Diagnosing Sleep Apnea

There are now home tests available for sleep apnea. Diagnosis can also be done with the help of a partner or friend when you are asleep. An audio record of your sleep or a report of interruption in sleep can be made by him/her. This can be provided to a specialist or a doctor for the start of the diagnosis procedure.

Preferable methods of diagnosis for Sleep Apnea are:

• Physical examination of mouth and nose


• X-ray, CT Scan of head and neck


• Endoscopy of nose and throat


• Overnight sleep study in a sleep clinic

In the sleep clinic

In most instances a polysomnography test is conducted in the sleep clinic for the diagnosis of sleep apnea. It records: -

• Respiratory effects
  
• Eye movements


• Air flow


• Heart rate


• Muscle movement


• Electrical impulse of brain


• Blood pressure while sleeping

Polysomnography

Causes of Sleep Apnea

• Excessive use of alcohol or any other sedatives before sleep


• Nasal problems


• Hereditary


• Gender- being male


• Obesity


• Hypothyroidism

Sleep Apnea Treatments

- Mechanical or Physical Therapy or treatment

• Behavioral Treatment

Sleep apnea is a very common disorder, more prevalent in older people and twice as likely in men than women.

It is extremely important to ensure your condition is properly diagnosed by a qualified professional who will be able to advise on the best methods of treatment.

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