Sleep apnea is a serious health condition in which a person repeatedly stops breathing during sleep. These episodes of halted breathing can last from a few seconds to several minutes, and may occur more than 30 times per hour. Obesity, a family history of sleep apnea, and narrowed airways are common risk factors. In children, enlarged adenoids and swollen tonsils can also increase the risk of developing sleep apnea. If it is not properly diagnosed or treated, it can lead to loud snoring, high blood pressure, heart disease, and excessive daytime sleepiness.
What is sleep apnea?
The word "apnea" comes from Latin and refers to a cessation of breathing or episodes of shortness of breath. In this context, sleep apnea is a condition in which breathing stops or becomes very shallow during sleep. This interruption in breathing causes a drop in oxygen levels, which can trigger a reflex arousal to help the body avoid potentially life-threatening situations. While this reflex helps the person survive, it disrupts the sleep cycle, leading to disturbed sleep and increased stress on the heart. Over time, it can contribute to a range of serious and potentially fatal health problems.
During it, breathing may repeatedly stop and start throughout the night. These breathing interruptions can be caused either by a blocked airway or by the brain failing to properly regulate the respiratory center.
What are the types of sleep apnea?
There are three main types of it. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the airway is blocked, while central sleep apnea results from the brain's inability to regulate breathing properly. "Complex it syndrome" refers to a condition that develops during treatment, in which features of both obstructive and central it are present.
Sleep apnea is a serious disorder that, in some cases, can cause significant drops in oxygen levels. Common warning signs include persistent fatigue and loud snoring, even after what seems like an uninterrupted night's sleep.
What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?
The symptoms of obstructive and central it are often similar, which can make diagnosis challenging. Common symptoms include:
Loud snoring: While snoring is common, it is not present in every case of it.
Shortness of breath or a choking sensation, especially during the night.
Waking up repeatedly: Many people are unaware why they are waking, but it is frequently due to breathing interruptions.
Morning fatigue and exhaustion: Individuals may feel extremely tired upon waking.
Daytime sleepiness: Disrupted sleep cycles can lead to persistent drowsiness during the day.
Mood changes: Anxiety and depression are common related symptoms.
Other signs may include night sweats, morning headaches, sexual dysfunction, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and dry mouth.
Is snoring a symptom of sleep apnea?
Although people with sleep apnea often snore loudly, it's important to know that not everyone with sleep apnea snores. Sleep apnea is different from regular snoring. While normal (or primary) snoring can be caused by factors such as nasal or throat issues, obesity, age, or sleeping position, it typically involves additional symptoms. These may include shallow breathing, choking or gasping during sleep, pauses in breathing, and frequent restlessness at night.
Beyond disturbing sleep, it increases your risk for car and work accidents as well as other health problems.
What causes sleep apnea?
Certain groups are at greater risk for developing sleep apnea, including men, individuals who are overweight, and those with respiratory diseases. Each type of it has its own causes:
Obstructive sleep apnea is most often the result of relaxed throat muscles, which allow surrounding tissues to block the airway during sleep.
Central it occurs when the brain fails to send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. This may be due to conditions such as heart failure, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), low oxygen levels at high altitudes, or damage to the nervous system. Disruption in nerve signals can lead to the breathing muscles not functioning correctly.
Complex it can arise when central sleep apnea develops during treatment for obstructive it.
Understanding the underlying cause of sleep apnea is crucial for choosing the most effective treatment.
What are the types of sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is categorized into three main types, each of which can produce similar symptoms and effects:
Obstructive it (OSA): This is the most common form. It occurs when airflow to the lungs is partially or completely blocked, usually because the throat muscles relax and soft tissues collapse during sleep. This blockage makes the chest and diaphragm muscles work harder to open the airway, often resulting in loud breathing, body movements, disrupted oxygen flow to organs, and abnormal heart rhythms.
Central it (CSA): In CSA, the airway remains open but the brain fails to send the right signals to the muscles controlling breathing. This impairment often leads to repeated pauses in breathing and is commonly associated with certain medical conditions, such as ALS, stroke, heart failure, kidney disease, or lung disease.
Complex sleep apnea: Also called "treatment-emergent it," this form appears when central it develops during therapy for obstructive it. It involves elements of both obstructive and central apnea occurring together.
How is sleep apnea diagnosed?
Diagnosing sleep apnea starts with a review of your medical history, symptoms, and risk factors, such as family history, obesity, or related conditions. If ita is suspected, several tests may be used to confirm the diagnosis:
Sleep study (polysomnography): This comprehensive overnight test monitors heart and breathing rates, blood oxygen levels, brain and lung activity, and limb movements while you sleep.
Home sleep apnea testing: This simpler test can be performed at home using a portable device to measure heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and airflow. However, it cannot detect brain wave activity, so it may miss central it. If results are unclear or central it is suspected, a full sleep study (polysomnography) is recommended.
In some cases, you may be referred to an otolaryngologist (ENT specialist) to check for nose and throat obstructions that could contribute to sleep apnea.
What are the treatment options for sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea treatment depends on the specific type”central or obstructive”and may become part of your daily routine. The main treatment options include:
Conservative therapies: Lifestyle changes such as weight loss, adjusting sleep position, using supportive pillows, nasal sprays, or modifying medications can help reduce the severity of symptoms, though they may not fully cure sleep apnea.
Positive Airway Pressure (PAP): This involves the use of machines that deliver pressurized air to keep the airway open during sleep. The most common device is the continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, but other styles and types may be used depending on the form of it.
Oral appliances: Specially designed mouthpieces can reposition the jaw and tongue to help maintain an open airway.
Surgery: In some cases, surgical procedures may be performed to remove or reduce soft tissue obstructing the airway. Types of surgery include somnoplasty, tonsillectomy, or procedures involving the nose and jaw.
A tailored approach, depending on the individual's situation and type of it, helps achieve the best results.
* Liv Hospital Editorial Board has contributed to the publication of this content .
* Contents of this page is for informational purposes only. Please consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. The content of this page does not include information on medicinal health care at Liv Hospital .
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Frequently Asked Questions
Obstructive and central it are sometimes overlooked and may go undiagnosed, yet both can lead to serious and even dangerous health consequences if untreated. Many people have questions about how it is detected, managed, and treated. Here are some frequently asked questions and important information to help you better understand this condition.
What causes sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea can develop for a variety of reasons. Common risk factors and underlying causes include a family history of the condition, obesity, relaxation and collapse of the throat muscles during sleep, heart failure, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), low oxygen levels, and disorders affecting the brain or nervous system. Identifying the specific cause is important for effective diagnosis and treatment.
Can sleep apnea kill?
In severe cases, sleep apnea can significantly increase pressure in the blood vessels and chambers of the heart. Persistently high pressure can damage heart muscle tissue and may lead to arrhythmias”abnormal heart rhythms”that raise the risk of sudden cardiac arrest or even death. While it is not always life-threatening, unmanaged or severe cases can have fatal consequences. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to reduce these risks.
Which department treats sleep apnea?
If obstructive it is suspected, it's recommended to schedule an appointment with an otolaryngologist (ENT specialist) to assess and rule out any nasal or throat obstructions. If central it is a concern, further evaluation by a cardiologist or neurologist may be necessary to determine underlying causes related to heart or neurological conditions.
What is good for sleep apnea?
The best solutions for sleep apnea depend on individual circumstances. Weight loss is often recommended for those who are overweight, and treating underlying medical conditions”such as heart failure”can also help. In some cases, surgery may be considered. Additionally, using specially designed mouthpieces or masks, supportive pillows, and nasal sprays can help relieve symptoms and improve sleep quality.
What is a sleep apnea device?
Sleep apnea is a condition in which breathing stops and starts repeatedly during sleep, which can seriously affect sleep quality and cause serious health problems in the long term. People with it are usually recommended a number of treatments, one of which is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines.
CPAP devices are used to help people with sleep apnea regulate their breathing. These devices come in different types, such as face masks or nasal cannulas, and can be chosen according to the user's comfort.CPAP devices provide a continuous flow of air to keep the airway open, which can reduce or eliminate the symptoms of sleep apnea.