by Annette Flaskamp, sleep technologist and supervisor of the Sleep Disorders Center at IU
Health West
Sleep apnea is a common yet often overlooked health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep, which can lead to a host of health problems if left untreated. Understanding sleep apnea, its symptoms, risks and treatment options is crucial for maintaining overall health and well-being.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea occurs when the muscles in the throat relax excessively during sleep, causing the
airway to become blocked or narrowed. This blockage leads to pauses in breathing that can last
from a few seconds to over a minute. These interruptions can occur multiple times per hour,
severely disrupting the sleep cycle.
There are three main types of sleep apnea:
1. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): This is the most common form, caused by a physical blockage
of the airway, often due to the relaxation of the throat muscles.
2. Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): This occurs when the brain fails to send the correct signals to the
muscles that control breathing.
3. Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome: Also known as treatment-emergent central sleep apnea, it
is a combination of OSA and CSA.
Symptoms and Risks
The primary symptom of sleep apnea is loud, chronic snoring, often accompanied by choking or
gasping sounds. Other symptoms include excessive daytime sleepiness, morning headaches,
difficulty concentrating, irritability and dry mouth or sore throat upon waking. Many individuals
with sleep apnea remain undiagnosed because they are unaware of their nighttime symptoms.
Sleep apnea poses significant health risks. It can lead to hypertension, heart disease, stroke,
diabetes and other serious conditions.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis typically involves a sleep study, either conducted in a sleep lab or at home, where
various physiological parameters are monitored during sleep. This helps determine the severity
and type of sleep apnea.
Treatment options vary based on the type and severity of the condition. Common treatments
include:
- Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): This is a machine that delivers air pressure
through a mask to keep the airway open. - Lifestyle Changes: Weight loss, avoiding alcohol and smoking and sleeping on one’s side can
alleviate symptoms. - Oral Appliances: These devices reposition the jaw or tongue to keep the airway open.
- Surgery: In severe cases, surgical procedures may be necessary
Sleep apnea is a serious condition that requires attention and appropriate treatment.
