Sleep apnea is one of the most common sleeping disorders. This condition involves shallow breathing during sleep, which can cause the person to wake up multiple times throughout the night. This can lead to poor sleep quality and contribute to other health problems. It is important to understand what sleep apnea is, what causes it, and what symptoms to look out for in order to receive the proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a condition that can occur when the throat muscles and tongue relax during sleep, restricting the airway and making it difficult for the person to breathe normally. This can lead to shallow breathing episodes and can cause the person to wake up periodically during the night. As the person wakes up frequently, they don’t get enough deep restful sleep, which can then affect their quality of life during the day.
Types of Sleep Apnea and Causes
There are three main types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), central sleep apnea (CSA), and complex sleep apnea syndrome (CSAS). Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common form and occurs when the throat muscles relax. Central sleep apnea is when the brain does not send the signals to the muscles to maintain breathing. CSAS is a combination of the two and occurs when a person has both obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea. Some other factors that can contribute to the development of sleep apnea include obesity, smoking, high blood pressure, and age.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
The most common symptom of sleep apnea is loud snoring as the airway is restricted. Other symptoms can include pauses in breathing while asleep, waking up abruptly in the middle of the night, morning headache, dry mouth, sore throat, headachey, irritability, and difficulty concentrating while awake. If sleep apnea is suspected, then it is important to speak to a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis.
Treatment for Sleep Apnea
Treatment for sleep apnea will depend on the type and severity. For mild cases, some lifestyle changes may be recommended, such as weight loss, reducing the amount of alcohol and tobacco used, and sleeping on the side. More severe cases may require additional treatment. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is one of the most common treatments and involves using a machine that delivers a steady stream of air to keep the airways open. There are also other devices that can help to keep the airway open, such as oral appliance and surgery may be required in severe cases.
Conclusion
Sleep apnea is a common but serious condition that involves shallow breathing and waking up multiple times during the night. There are several types of sleep apnea and a variety of factors that can contribute to its development. Symptoms can include loud snoring, pauses in breathing during sleep, and difficulty concentrating while awake. Treatment will depend on the type and severity and may include lifestyle changes, devices to help keep the airway open, and in severe cases, surgery. It is important to speak with a healthcare professional if sleep apnea is suspected in order to receive the proper diagnosis and treatment plan.