Sleep Apnea: What You Need to Know

Sleep apnea is a medical condition in which a person’s breathing is interrupted during sleep. It is a serious sleep disorder that can cause significant health problems. People with sleep apnea can have disrupted sleep, leading to daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and poor concentration. It can also lead to serious health complications like high blood pressure, stroke, and heart attack.

Here, our sleep apnea clinic shares more information:

What Causes Sleep Apnea?

The exact cause of sleep apnea is not known, but there are several factors that can increase the risk of developing it.

One of the typical causes of sleep apnea is an obstruction of the airway. This can be caused by excess tissue in the throat, such as enlarged tonsils or a large tongue, or a structural abnormality in the airway, like a deviated septum. Other big factors that can increase the risk of sleep apnea include being overweight, having a large neck circumference, smoking, and drinking alcohol.

Another cause of sleep apnea is the narrowing or collapse of the airway. A number of factors, including a deviated septum, enlarged tonsils, or a large tongue can cause this. Other factors contributing to the narrowing or collapse of the airway include being overweight, having a large neck circumference, and smoking.

Certain medical conditions can also increase the risk of sleep apnea. These include chronic nasal congestion, heart and lung diseases, and endocrine disorders. In addition, certain medications can increase the risk of sleep apnea, including sedatives, antidepressants, and antihistamines.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is characterized by brief pauses in breathing during sleep, and it can lead to a number of different symptoms. If you suspect you have sleep apnea, it is important to recognize the symptoms and seek medical help.

Among the most common signs of sleep apnea is loud and frequent snoring. Other symptoms include pauses in breathing while asleep, daytime sleepiness, as well as waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat, and morning headaches.

Risks Associated with Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a serious and possibly life-threatening condition that impacts millions of people around the world. It is a disorder in which a person’s breathing is briefly and constantly interrupted during sleep. While sleep apnea can be treated, it is crucial to be aware of the potential risks associated with it.

• Cardiovascular Complications: Sleep apnea can have an effect on the cardiovascular system, leading to a much higher risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, and even sudden death. This is because the lack of oxygen that accompanies sleep apnea can cause the heart to work harder to maintain normal blood pressure.

• Cognitive Impairment: Sleep apnea can cause cognitive impairment, including memory problems and difficulty concentrating. This is because the frequent interruptions in breathing disrupt the sleep cycle, leading to fatigue and a lack of restful sleep.

• Depression: Sleep apnea can lead to an increased risk of depression due to fatigue and lack of restful sleep. This is because the lack of quality sleep can cause a person to feel more stressed, anxious, and irritable.

Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea

One treatment for sleep apnea is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. CPAP involves wearing a mask that delivers a continuous stream of air pressure to your airway throughout the night, which prevents the airway from collapsing and causing pauses in breathing. CPAP is generally well tolerated, and the majority of people who use it find relief from their symptoms.

For some people, CPAP may not be a viable option due to discomfort or difficulty using the device. In these cases, an oral appliance may be recommended. Oral appliances are small devices worn in the mouth during sleep that work by gently repositioning the jaw and tongue to open the airway and prevent pauses in breathing.

In severe cases of sleep apnea, your doctor might recommend surgery. The most common type of surgery for sleep apnea is uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), which involves removing excess tissue from the back of the throat to open the airway and reduce pauses in breathing.

Lifestyle changes may also be recommended. Making changes to your diet, exercising regularly, avoiding alcohol, and quitting smoking can all help reduce the severity of sleep apnea symptoms.

Conclusion

Sleep Apnea is a serious condition that can have a significant negative impact on overall health, quality of life, and productivity. It is important to be aware of the symptoms and take steps to treat them if necessary. If you have any of the symptoms of Sleep Apnea, it is important to seek medical help from one of the best sleep centers as soon as possible.

Lethbridge Snoring & Sleep Apnea Clinic is a sleeping disorder clinic where you can get help if you suffer from sleep apnea or other sleep problems. Schedule your appointment today!