A potentially deadly sleep disorder, sleep apnea is a condition in which breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep.
The lapses in breathing can last a few moments or several minutes. There are several types of sleep apnea, and they all carry serious health risks and concerns.
Types of Apnea
There are three primary types of apnea. With obstructive sleep apnea, throat muscles relax and the airway can narrow, blocking the flow of air. The most common form, it accounts for 84 percent of sleep apnea cases. Central sleep apnea occurs when your body neglects to signal the body to breath. This is much less common, accounting for 15 percent of cases. Complex sleep apnea is a combination of the two types and accounts for less than one percent of all sleep apnea cases.
Sleep Apnea Symptoms
There are several symptoms associated with sleep apnea. Loud snoring is commonly seen with obstructive sleep apnea cases. Trouble staying asleep, or insomnia, is typically associated with central and complex sleep apnea. Other common symptoms include the following:
- Sore or dry throat upon waking
- Headaches in the morning
- Frequent urination at night
- Periods during sleep where breathing pauses
- Memory problems and difficult concentrating are typically seen with young children
- Irritability, mood swings, depression, or shifts in personality
Complications
Sleep apnea is the cause of other medical complications, making it a particularly dangerous condition. The severe drop in blood oxygen levels cause blood pressure to rise and will put a strain on your cardiovascular system. People with obstructive sleep apnea are more likely to develop hypertension and have a higher risk of stroke. This dangerous condition is associated with a higher risk of atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure.
Those with sleep apnea are more likely to have problems with daytime fatigue, driving, and concentrating. Children and teens with the condition are more prone to behavior problems and tend to struggle in school.
People with sleep apnea are also more likely to have complications after surgery, so it’s important to tell your doctor if you have this condition. They can make adjustments to ensure that your breathing problems do not turn into life-threatening issues during or after surgery.
Sleep apnea can result in death if the breathing lapse becomes prolonged and the body fails to respond to it. Studies have also shown that people with sleep apnea are five times more likely than their counterparts to become a victim of cancer.
Treatments
Continuous positive airway pressure, otherwise known as CPAP, is the most effective treatment available for people with obstructive sleep apnea. It works to keep the airways open, allowing patients to sleep better and more safely. If the CPAP treatment system does not work, then surgery may be required.
People with central sleep apnea benefit from determining the underlying medical problem that is causing the condition. It could be neuromuscular disorders, heart disease, or high blood pressure. Once the underlying problem is found and treated, the sleep apnea usually resolves. If the main cause cannot be determined, then CPAP treatment may be used. Central sleep apnea patients also receive bi-level positive airway pressure treatments, or BPAP, and adaptive sero-ventilation treatments, or ASV.
Complex sleep apnea can effectively be treated using a combination of the CPAP machine along with important lifestyle changes like losing weight. Underlying medical conditions will be ruled out, allowing your medical team to treat the problem on multiple fronts.
Sleep apnea is a frightening condition, but it does not have to be. If you have any concerns that you might have this condition, you should talk to your doctor about having a sleep study done. With a diagnosis and the proper treatment, your condition can be managed and controlled effectively.
Shawn Orrell is a freelance blogger who writes on behalf of mba in health care management programs.
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