Sleep Apnea: What all you need to know and now

Page 1

Sleep Apnea: What all you need to know and now Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where a person might stop occasionally breathing during its sleep. People with sleep apnea stop repeatedly breathing during their sleep, sometimes over hundreds of times due to which the brain and tissues don’t get enough oxygen. Sleep apnea, however, once diagnosed can be treated by using breathing devices, oral appliances and surgery. Types of sleep apnea Sleep apnea is of following three categories: ● Obstructive sleep apnea: Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by narrowing of the airway as the soft tissue at the back of the throat collapses while the person is asleep. This type of sleep apnea is the most common, accounting for about 84% of the total cases. Obese, elderly, smokers and diabetics are highly likely to suffer from obstructive sleep apnea. ● Central sleep apnea: In central sleep apnea, the brain’s neurological mechanism for respiratory control doesn’t function properly while the person is sleep. Due to this, the brain is unable to signal the muscles to breathe, increasing the carbon dioxide levels in the blood stream as a result. Unlike OSA, there’s no struggle in breathing as it stops all of a sudden, but the breathing may be faster when the pause breaks. This type of sleep apnea is rare and chronic. Therefore, it needs to be treated as soon as it’s diagnosed. ● Complex sleep apnea: The combination of obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea is known as complex or mixed sleep apnea. The phenomenon is very rare and usually, happens when the OSA is treated using CPAP. Sleep apnea signs People with obstructive sleep apnea snore loudly while they’re asleep with some pauses. At times, choking or gasping also follows the pauses. The snoring grows louder with the condition getting worse. It is the loudest when one sleeps on their back and is light when one’s sleeping on their side. Apart from snoring, another common sign of sleep apnea is excessive daytime sleepiness, where a person fights its urge to fall asleep during the day. One can also notice reduced alertness and blurred vision due to improper sleep. When the signs are noticeable, it is advised to consult a doctor to understand your issues better. Sleep apnea symptoms People with sleep apnea develop behavioral problems due to lack of sound sleep. They become less attentive, lack energy during the day, and are also moody. Sleep paralysis is also a common symptom of sleep apnea, which may also lead to insomnia. People with moderate or severe sleep apnea also have a higher risk of diabetes and liver function impairment. Therefore, it is necessary to carefully analyze the signs and consult a doctor at the earliest.


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.