Charlotte, NC
Bibhusan Basnet, MD
Bidhusi Pokharel, MD
Sleep apnea is the repeated stopping and starting of your breathing while you sleep. Sleep apnea is a common illness that makes you breathe incredibly shallowly or stop altogether. The time between breaths might range from a few seconds to many minutes. They could happen 30 or more times every hour. Your airway collapses or becomes clogged when you sleep as a result. A snort or choking noise signals the return of regular breathing. Those who have sleep apnea frequently snore loudly. If your partner snores at night, not only can they easily disrupt your good night’s rest, but they might have a serious disease like sleep apnea, posing a risk to your health. But remember, not everyone who snores, suffers from sleep apnea.
There are two common types of sleep apnea:
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA): It is the most prevalent kind of sleep apnea, which is brought on by soft tissue in the back of the throat relaxing, preventing airflow.
Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): The other is central sleep apnea, where the brain impulses to breathe are irregular.
Sleep apnea is frequently disregarded when the signs of sleep apnea are mild. The two most obvious signs are snoring and gasping for air when you wake up. Your partner might be the one to notice that you snore or gasp for air during sleep. Excessive daytime drowsiness is another characteristic of sleep disorder.
The following are the signs of sleep apnea:
You are more likely to develop sleep disorders if you are overweight, male, or have tiny airways. It can also affect kids who have big tonsils or adenoids. The risk of central sleep apnea is increased in people over 65. If a first-degree relative, such as a brother or parent, has the illness, the chance of having obstructive sleep apnea is around 50% higher.
You need a sleep study to demonstrate breathing issues while asleep and rule out other sleep disorders or medical conditions to diagnose sleep apnea.
Initially, a doctor will do a physical examination, enquire about your symptoms, and gather information about your personal and family history to evaluate if you have any other medical conditions. Based on your exam and symptoms, the doctor would probably advise you to do any of the following sleep studies if they suspect you have sleep apnea.
Polysomnogram: In a polysomnogram, the electrical activity of a person’s brain waves, heart rate, and respiration are monitored. The sleep study is carried out overnight usually in a sleep center A technician installs sensors on your head, temples, chest, and legs as you prepare for bed. They may also attach a tiny clip to your finger or ear. These are all connected to a computer so the lab can track your heart rate, breathing patterns, blood oxygen levels, and brain waves while you sleep.
Home sleep apnea test (HSAT): A home sleep apnea test may be an option if the doctor suspects the patient has moderate to severe obstructive sleep disorder based on their symptoms or a physical examination. People suspected of having central sleep apnea or other sleep disorders shouldn’t opt for the home-based sleep study because it collects fewer data points than an in-lab sleep study. You might inquire with your doctor about performing a test at home. In this scenario, you’ll only purchase a little portable monitor at your neighborhood sleep center, wear it at home, and then return it. (To do this, you typically need to wear a belt around your chest, clip a piece of jewelry to your finger, and place an airflow sensor in your nose.) The technician reviews the findings once you return the gadget.
Sleep apnea treatment depends on an individual’s medical history and the severity of the illness. It’s crucial to receive treatment if you have the disorder. Many people can be treated for sleep disorders using lifestyle modifications, mouthpieces, surgery, and breathing apparatus.
Lifestyle modification
Appliances/ Devices: Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine
The continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) technique, in which a face mask is connected to a tube and a machine that pushes pressurized air into the mask and into the airway to keep it open, is advised by doctors if these conservative measures are insufficient.
CPAP can definitely be uncomfortable. More than one-third of patients who are given CPAP machines discontinue using them. They may be uncomfortable to wear because they may result in symptoms like a stuffy nose or dry mouth.
The most common issue is the problem with the fitting of the mask. A full-face mask that covers your mouth and nose may benefit you if your mouth breathes. But if one mask doesn’t work for you, there are definitely other options. To avoid waking up with a dry mouth, alternatively use a CPAP-heated humidifier, which connects to the air pressure machine and keeps the air moist. A mask with a nasal pillow that fits beneath your nose may be an alternative if you feel claustrophobic so that it covers less of your face.
If you’ve tried a range of masks and are still uncomfortable, talk to your doctor or provider about additional options, such as a mouthpiece if you have a mild sleep disorder or even surgery if your apnea is severe. Sometimes your sleep specialist can recommend using specific pillows, devices to prevent patients from resting on their backs, or oral gadgets to maintain an open airway while they can provide help for some people.
Surgery: The airway can be widened and tissue removed using surgical techniques. A surgically implanted device is positioned in the upper chest to monitor a person’s respiratory signals. At the same time, they stimulate a nerve that will help breathe more evenly again.
Mouth and throat exercises: Exercises for the mouth and throat can assist the muscles to stay tight so they don’t go loose while sleeping and clog your airways. Vowel pronunciation, shifting the tongue, and chewing with the mouth shut are a few exercises that may be done.
Sleep apnea poses a life-threatening risk if untreated. You may feel sleepy during the day if your sleep is disturbed all night. People with sleep disorders are likelier to experience vehicle accidents, workplace accidents, and other health issues.
You are at risk of the following diseases if you have an undiagnosed or untreated sleep disorder:
You may do various things to lower your risk and enhance the quality of your sleep, even if it’s not always possible to avoid sleep apnea.
