Sleep Apnea
Sleep Apnea – There are 3 types of sleep apnea.
1. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) – caused by a temporary, partial, or complete blockage of the airway
2. Central apnea – caused by a temporary failure to make an effort to breathe
3. Mixed apnea – combination of the first two types
About Obstructive Sleep Apnea
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?
Obstructive Sleep Apnea is when a person stops breathing repeatedly during sleep.
Breathing stops because the airway collapses and prevents air from getting into the lungs.
Sleep patterns are disrupted, resulting in excessive sleepiness or fatigue during the day.
What causes the airway to collapse during sleep?
Extra tissue in the back of the airway such as large tonsils
Decrease in the tone of the muscles holding the airway open
The tongue falling back and closing off the airway
How many people have Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
4 in 100 middle-aged men and 2 in 100 middle-aged women have Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Most OSA sufferers remain undiagnosed and untreated
Obstructive Sleep Apnea is as common as adult asthma
What happens if Obstructive Sleep Apnea is not treated?
Possible increased risk for:
• High blood pressure
• Heart disease and heart attack
• Stroke
• Fatigue-related motor vehicle and work accidents
• Decreased quality of life
What are the signs and symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
If you are someone you know snores regularly and has one or more of the following symptoms, it may be Obstructive Sleep Apnea:
• Snoring, interrupted by pauses in breathing
• Sexual dysfunction
• Frequent urination at night
• Gasping or choking during sleep
• Poor judgment or concentration
• Restless sleep
• Irritability
• Excessive sleepiness or fatigue during the day
• Memory loss
• High blood pressure
• Large neck size (greater than 17” in men; greater than 16” in women)
• Depression
• Obesity
• Crowded airway
• Morning headache
What should you do if you suspect you may have Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
If you have signs and symptoms that indicate sleep apnea, please consult with your physician or call us to make an appointment with one of our board certified sleep specialist.
To diagnosis sleep apnea a polysomnogram, (PSG), sleep study is performed. The information received records how you breathe and sleep; this enables the physician to determine the type and severity of sleep apnea and the treatment options.
What is the treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) therapy is the treatment of choice for Obstructive Sleep Apnea. It keeps the airway open by providing a steady stream of room air through a hose to the mask. PAP can be either:
• CPAP – Continuous positive airway pressure
• BiPAP – Provides 2 levels of pressure
• Auto-PAP – Auto adjusting CPAP or BiPAP
Other less common treatments include surgery and oral appliances, which may be effective in certain individuals.
Any treatments should include weight loss if needed, exercise, and avoidance of alcohol, sedatives and hypnotics.
What are the benefits of regular treatment?
• Breathing becomes regular
• Snoring stops
• Restful sleep is restored
• Quality of life is improved
• Increased energy
• Risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, heart attack, stroke,
diabetes and motor vehicle and work accidents are reduced.
Central Apnea
Central sleep apnea is when you repeatedly stop breathing during sleep because the brain temporarily stops sending signals to the muscles that control breathing.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Central sleep apnea often occurs in people who have certain medical conditions. For example, it can develop in persons who have life-threatening problems with the brainstem, which controls breathing.
Central sleep apnea is not the same as obstructive sleep apnea which is due to a blockage in the airway.
Symptoms
Persons with central sleep apnea have episodes of disrupted breathing during sleep.
Other symptoms may include:
| • Chronic fatigue • Daytime sleepiness | • Morning headaches • Restless sleep |
Diagnosis
A sleep study (polysomnogram) can be performed to confirm sleep apnea.
Treatment
Oxygen, nasal CPAP, or bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) may be used for some types of central sleep apnea.
Some types of central sleep apnea are treated with drugs that stimulate breathing. Patients should avoid the use of any sedative medications.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a chronic condition which changes as you get older. Just like other chronic conditions, like Diabetes and Hypertension, it needs to be checked on a regular basis. Regardless of the treatment you choose, you should be reevaluated in a year.