For those not familiar with this condition, read the following-
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing or shallow breaths during sleep. These pauses can last from a few seconds to minutes and can occur many times during the night. The three main types of sleep apnea are:
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): This is the most common form of sleep apnea. It occurs when the muscles in the throat relax excessively during sleep, causing the airway to become partially or completely blocked. This obstruction leads to snoring, choking, or gasping for air as the individual struggles to breathe. OSA often disrupts sleep and can lead to daytime sleepiness and other health issues if left untreated.
- Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): Unlike OSA, which involves physical blockage of the airway, CSA occurs when the brain fails to send the proper signals to the muscles responsible for controlling breathing. As a result, breathing becomes irregular or may even stop temporarily during sleep. CSA is less common than OSA and is often associated with certain medical conditions such as heart failure or stroke.
- Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome (CompSA): This type of sleep apnea, also known as treatment-emergent central sleep apnea, occurs when a person initially diagnosed with OSA develops central sleep apnea after starting continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, a common treatment for OSA.
Sleep apnea can have serious consequences if left untreated, including:
- Excessive daytime sleepiness, which can impair performance at work or school and increase the risk of accidents.
- High blood pressure and cardiovascular problems such as heart disease, stroke, and irregular heartbeat.
- Type 2 diabetes.
- Liver problems.
- Complications with medications and surgery.
- Worsening of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
- Increased risk of developing mood disorders such as depression and anxiety.
Treatment options for sleep apnea depend on the severity and type of the condition. Common treatments include lifestyle changes (such as weight loss and avoiding alcohol and sedatives before bedtime), CPAP therapy, oral appliances, and in some cases, surgery to remove excess tissue from the throat or to reposition the jaw. It’s essential for individuals experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea, such as loud snoring, choking or gasping during sleep, and daytime fatigue, to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.