What is sleep apnea

Overview

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder characterized by repeated breathing interruptions during sleep. Each interruption, called an apnea, lasts at least 10 seconds and can occur dozens to hundreds of times per night. These interruptions reduce oxygen levels in the blood and disrupt sleep quality, leading to daytime fatigue and serious health complications if left untreated.

Types of Sleep Apnea

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is the most common form, accounting for 84% of cases. It occurs when throat muscles relax and block the airway during sleep. Central Sleep Apnea is less common and occurs when the brain fails to send proper signals to breathing muscles. Complex Sleep Apnea is a combination of both types.

Symptoms and Warning Signs

Common symptoms include:

• Loud snoring or gasping sounds during sleep
• Witnessed breathing pauses by a sleep partner
• Excessive daytime sleepiness and fatigue
• Morning headaches and dry mouth upon waking
• Difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and mood changes
• Restless sleep and frequent nighttime awakenings
• In children: hyperactivity, learning problems, and failure to thrive

Risk Factors and Causes

Risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea include obesity, male gender, age over 50, and family history. Other contributing factors include neck circumference greater than 17 inches in men or 16 inches in women, smoking, alcohol use, nasal congestion, and certain anatomical features like enlarged tonsils or a recessed chin. Central sleep apnea is often associated with heart disease, stroke, neurological conditions, or opioid medication use.

Health Consequences

Untreated sleep apnea has serious cardiovascular and metabolic consequences. The repeated oxygen drops and sleep fragmentation increase blood pressure and strain on the heart, significantly increasing risk of heart attack, stroke, atrial fibrillation, and sudden cardiac death. Sleep apnea also contributes to weight gain, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes development.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Sleep apnea is diagnosed through a sleep study (polysomnography) conducted in a lab or at home. The study measures breathing patterns, oxygen levels, heart rate, and sleep stages. Treatment options include continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices that keep airways open, oral appliances that reposition the jaw, positional therapy, weight loss, and in some cases, surgery. Lifestyle modifications like avoiding alcohol and sleeping on the side also help manage symptoms.