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Sleep is important for having overall good health and well-being. It is the time when our body recharges, restores, and rejuvenates. However, for some people, sleep can turn into a nightmare due to a common but, often undiagnosed, sleeping condition called sleep apnea. If you are among the millions of people who are affected by sleep apnea, you know how it can disrupt your daily life. Despite being a common problem, many people are largely unaware of the risks and symptoms associated with sleep apnea.
In this blog post, we will go beyond snoring and dive into a comprehensive discussion about sleep apnea. We will discuss what sleep apnea is, the seriousness of the condition, common risk factors, symptoms, and treatment options that are available with Prime Medical Associates.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleeping condition that causes your breathing to repeatedly pause and restart during sleep. The word ‘apnea’ in sleep apnea means ‘to stop breathing.’
There are three types of sleep apnea:
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
- OSA is the most common form of sleep apnea and occurs when the muscles in the back of your throat fail to keep your airway open, despite the effort to breathe.
- Central sleep apnea (CSA)
- CSA, on the other hand, occurs when there is a lack of effort to breathe, causing the brain to forget to signal your muscles to breathe.
- Treatment-emergent central sleep apnea (Complex apnea)
- Complex apnea is characterized by the emergence or persistence of central sleep apnea symptoms in patients undergoing treatment for obstructive sleep apnea, particularly with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. This form of apnea is a mix of OSA and CSA.
The Seriousness of Sleep Apnea
Untreated sleep apnea can be a serious condition and can put you at risk for various health issues, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, and depression. It can also worsen existing conditions such as migraines, asthma, and acid reflux.
Moreover, sleep apnea can cause daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating, which can affect job performance and personal relationships.
Risk Factors of Sleep Apnea
Anyone can have sleep apnea, but several common risk factors can increase your chances of developing the condition. These factors include obesity, smoking, alcohol use, old age, a family history of sleep apnea, and chronic nasal congestion. It is essential to take note of these risk factors and seek medical attention if you develop any symptoms of sleep apnea.
According to the National Library of Medicine, “obesity is the most common finding in individuals with OSA. Other physical findings are large neck circumference (17 inches or 43 cm in males and 16 inches or 40.5 cm), crowded oropharynx (Mallampati 3 to 4), retrognathia, micrognathia, tonsilar hypertrophy, low-lying palate, overjet, and a large tongue. However, after adjusting for body weight and neck size, only lateral narrowing is an independent predictor of OSA.”
Additionally, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute states that hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy, as well as during and post-menopause, may heighten the risk of sleep apnea in women. Similarly, women suffering from polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), a condition associated with hormonal imbalance, may also face an increased risk of developing sleep apnea.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
The most common symptom of sleep apnea is loud and chronic snoring. However, it’s important to note that not everyone who snores has sleep apnea, and not everyone with sleep apnea snores. Other common symptoms of sleep apnea are:
- Difficulty falling or staying asleep
- Waking up gasping or choking
- Excessive daytime sleepiness/tiredness
- Morning headaches
- Difficulty concentrating
Children with sleep apnea might display hyperactivity and may encounter issues such as bedwetting, aggravated asthma symptoms, and difficulties maintaining focus in school.
If you have any of these symptoms, it is essential to seek medical attention to get an accurate diagnosis.
Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea
There are several treatment options available for people with sleep apnea, depending on the severity and type of the condition. One of the most common treatments is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, which involves wearing a mask over your nose/mouth when you sleep, through which air is delivered under pressure, keeping your airway open.
Other common treatment options include oral appliances to position the jaw, surgery, weight loss, positional therapy, and behavioral changes such as avoiding alcohol, tobacco, and sedatives. There are also pillows available specifically designed for people with sleep apnea. These pillows aim to encourage side sleeping and maintain a proper position to keep the airway open. They may also have cut-outs to accommodate a CPAP mask, making it more comfortable to use.
If you’re struggling with sleep apnea and don’t know how to treat it the way you like? Prime Medical Associates can provide advanced tests, sleep studies, and treatment options to help you address sleep apnea properly. Dr. Rajan will evaluate your sleep patterns to determine the source of your sleep problem, make a diagnosis, and recommend a personalized treatment plan.
Don’t let sleep apnea control your life! Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you get the sleep you deserve. 508-979-9781
