What is Sleep Apnea and Who Does it Affect

Sleep apnea is a temporary suspension of breathing, occurring repeatedly during sleep that often affects overweight people or those having an obstruction in the breathing tract, an abnormally small throat opening, or a neurological disorder. These pauses in breathing can last up to 35 seconds and occur frequently throughout the night. When breathing stops the level of oxygen in the blood drops also.

There are three types of sleep apnea

1. Obstructive (OSA) - OSA is the most common type of sleep apnea.

2. Central -Central sleep apnea is a far rarer type of sleep apnea, which occurs when the brain signal that instructs the body to breathe is delayed. This central nervous system disorder can be caused by disease or injury involving the brainstem, such as a stroke, a brain tumor, a viral brain infection, or a chronic respiratory disease. People with CSA seldom snore

3. Mixed-Mixed sleep apnea is a combination of the two other types of sleep apnea, Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Central Sleep Apnea. A person with mixed sleep apnea will often snore, but finds that treatments which only help obstructions in the airways do not completely stop apnea episodes. Treatment usually includes a combination of the treatments used for OSA and CSA.

Obesity can trigger OSA. Loud snoring is also an indication that one might have sleep apnea but is not always the case. People who have sleep apnea may not know that they have this disorder. A relative or friend might be witness to these symptoms especially if they hear the pauses in breathing at night.

Sleep Apnea can be a dangerous disorder if not treated.

With all the pauses in breathing at night, normal sleep is interrupted and you will be sleepy during the day. Some car accidents have been caused by people with sleep apnea. That is why it is important that they see a doctor immediately. If you fall asleep at a stop sign or a red light that is an indication of sleep apnea.

Untreated, sleep apnea can lead to high blood pressure, pulmonary hypertension, abnormal heart rate, coronary artery disease, stroke, and heart failure.

More symptoms of sleep apnea

1. Getting up in the middle of the night to urinate

2. Swelling in feet and legs

3. Headaches

4. Tossing and turning during sleep

5. Waking with an unrefreshed feeling after sleep, having problems with memory and concentration, feeling irritable and tired, and experiencing personality changes.

6. Heart burn

Related disorders-Narcolepsy, hyperthyroidism, restless leg syndrome

What to do if you suspect that you may have sleep apnea

See a doctor immediately. Let your doctor know about your sleeping problems. Your doctor should send you to a facility that specializes in sleep studies. You will have to stay overnight. First they will watch you as you sleep and record how many times you awaken during the night and monitor your oxygen level.

The last part of the sleep study they will give you a maske that will cover your nose and push air through your nostrils. This is called a CPAP machine. If it is decided that you do have sleep apnea a CPAP will be suggested for your treatment, or some similar device if the CPAP is too difficult for you.

A CPAP is a small machine with a long hose attached to it. At the end of the hose is a mask. This mask will be fitted to your face by a technician. It needs to fit correctly in order for it to work. There are mask the fit over the mouth and nose if the other is too difficult to wear.

It takes time to get used to a CPAP machine. Try using it a couple of hours the first few days on a lower output of air pressure, and then slowly increase it as you get use to it.

If you discover that your nose is stopped up ask your doctor for a nasal prescription. Don't do this on your own. Your doctor will know which medication you should take if you have other symptoms such as high blood pressure. Some nasal medications increase high blood pressure.

Other types of less popular treatments

Dental

Object inserted in the mouth to bring your lower jaw and tongue forward when you are sleeping

Surgery

Certain types of surgery can increases the size of your airway by surgically removing tissues. The surgeon may remove tonsils, adenoids, or excess tissue at the back of the throat or inside the nose. Or, the surgeon may reconstruct the jaw to enlarge the upper airway.

Surgery may be an effective option for some, and can even provide permanent relief from symptoms. However, any surgery carries risks of surgical complications and infections, and in some rare cases, symptoms have worsened after surgery. If you have exhausted other apnea treatment options, or find the non-surgical treatments intolerable, you may want to discuss surgical options with your doctor or sleep specialist.

Resources

http://www.sleepapnea.org/

They have a quiz you can take if you think you may have sleep apnea

http://www.sleepapnea.org/resources/pubs/snorescore.html

CPAP forum

Talk about anything related to sleep apnea

http://www.cpaptalk.com/