Have you ever heard of sleep apnea? Perhaps you have, or maybe you’ve even experienced it, but aren’t quite sure.
According to the FDA, the term “sleep apnea” originates from a Greek expression meaning “without breathing.” It’s characterized by short pauses in breathing during sleep, with at least five such pauses occurring per hour. These interruptions can prevent oxygen from reaching certain organs, leading to a buildup of carbon dioxide in the body.
Sleep apnea is both common and chronic. One of its most noticeable symptoms is loud and persistent snoring.
There are two main types of sleep apnea:
1. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): This is the most common form and happens when the airway becomes blocked or narrowed during sleep. Causes include the tongue, tonsils, or uvula obstructing the airway, or fatty tissue and mucus accumulating in the throat. Other contributing factors are:
• Overweight
• Short neck
• Natural jaw positioning
• Enlarged tonsils
• Smoking and alcohol consumption
• Certain medications
• Sleeping on your back
2. Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): This less common form occurs when the brain fails to send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. It can affect anyone, though it’s more frequent in individuals with neurological conditions. Causes include:
• Cervical spine issues
• Morbid obesity
• Use of narcotics
• Premature birth
3. Mixed Apnea: A combination of both OSA and CSA.
5 Signs you might have Sleep Apnea:
• Persistent headaches, especially in the morning
• Night sweats
• Loud snoring that sometimes stops with heavy breathing or gasping
• Waking up feeling exhausted and drowsy throughout the day
• Difficulty managing high blood pressure
What to do?
If you suspect you have sleep apnea, consult your primary care physician or a specialist. They will likely examine your mouth, neck, and throat and ask about your sleep quality and habits. Some tests they may recommend include:
• Polysomnography (sleep study)
• Arterial blood gas test
• Electrocardiogram (ECG)
• Echocardiogram
• Pulse oximetry
• Thyroid function tests
Treatment
Effective treatment is essential to keep your airways open and ensure a restful night’s sleep. Lifestyle changes can help alleviate symptoms, such as:
• Avoiding alcohol and sleeping pills before bedtime
• Sleeping on your side instead of on your back
• Losing weight
• Using a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) mask, which delivers air through a tube connected to a machine beside your bed. This helps keep your airways open while you sleep.
Surgery
Is surgery an option to eliminate sleep apnea? Yes, but it is generally considered only when other treatments have not been successful. It’s recommended to try non-surgical treatments for at least three months before exploring surgical alternatives.
The surgical options include:
• Tissue removal
• Tissue reduction
• Jawbone surgery
• Implants
• Nerve stimulation
• Tracheotomy
If you’re unsure whether your symptoms align with sleep apnea or would like more information, feel free to reach out. You can fill out the form on our website to schedule a free video consultation. Additionally, if you’re considering treatment abroad, it can often be more affordable, allowing you to prioritize your health without added financial stress.
