Sleep Apnea: What It Is, Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that affects breathing patterns during sleep, often leading to fragmented rest and daytime fatigue. It can impact anyone, but it is more common among older adults, people with obesity, and those with a family history of the condition. Left untreated, sleep apnea can contribute to health complications such as high blood pressure, heart disease, insomnia, and depression. Understanding its causes, symptoms, and treatment options is crucial for effective management and better quality of life.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is defined as repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. These pauses in breathing can last from a few seconds to minutes and can occur dozens or even hundreds of times a night. The most common type is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which happens when throat muscles relax excessively and block the airway. Another less common type is central sleep apnea (CSA), where the brain fails to send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing.

These interruptions often lead to poor sleep quality, reduced oxygen supply to the body, and increased stress on the cardiovascular system. People with sleep apnea often wake up feeling tired, even after a full night’s sleep.

What are the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea symptoms can range from subtle signs to severe health disturbances. Common symptoms include:

• Loud snoring
• Gasping for air during sleep
• Frequent nighttime awakenings
• Morning headaches
• Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Difficulty concentrating or memory problems
• Mood swings, irritability, or depression

While snoring is a key indicator, not everyone who snores has sleep apnea. It’s the combination of loud snoring with choking, gasping, and daytime fatigue that typically signals a problem.

Sleep Apnea Causes

Several factors increase the risk of developing sleep apnea:

• Obesity: Excess weight increases the fat deposits around the upper airway, narrowing the space and making it more likely to collapse during sleep.
• Anatomy: A naturally narrow throat, enlarged tonsils, or a thick neck can restrict airflow.
• Age: Sleep apnea is more common in older adults.
• Gender: Men are more likely to develop the condition than women.
• Family history: Genetics play a role in airway structure and brain signaling.
• Alcohol and sedatives: These substances relax throat muscles, making airway obstruction more likely.
• Smoking: Increases inflammation and fluid retention in the airway.
• Medical conditions: Conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are linked with higher sleep apnea risk.

Sleep Apnea Diagnosis

If sleep apnea is suspected, a doctor may refer the patient for a sleep study, also known as polysomnography. This can be done at a sleep clinic or at home with a portable monitor. During the study, various body functions are monitored, including:

• Brain activity
• Blood oxygen levels
• Heart rate
• Breathing patterns
• Eye and leg movements

Diagnosis is made based on how many times breathing stops or becomes shallow per hour of sleep (apnea-hypopnea index or AHI).

Sleep Apnea Treatment

Treatment for sleep apnea depends on the severity and the underlying cause. The main goals are to normalize breathing during sleep, relieve symptoms, and prevent complications.

Lifestyle Changes

• Weight loss: Losing even a small amount of weight can significantly improve symptoms.
• Sleep position: Sleeping on the back worsens OSA; side-sleeping may help.
• Avoid alcohol and sedatives: These relax the airway muscles and worsen symptoms.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)

A CPAP machine delivers a steady stream of air through a mask to keep airways open. It’s the most common and effective treatment for moderate to severe OSA.

Oral Appliances

Special mouthpieces designed to keep the throat open by adjusting the position of the jaw or tongue.

Surgery

In cases where other treatments fail, surgery may be required to remove or shrink tissue, reposition the jaw, or implant devices to stimulate airway muscles.

Treatment for Central Sleep Apnea

May involve adaptive servo-ventilation (ASV), bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP), or treating the underlying neurological condition.

Connection Between Sleep Apnea, Insomnia, and Depression

Sleep apnea often coexists with insomnia, making it hard for people to fall or stay asleep. This combination leads to poor sleep quality and excessive fatigue. Treating sleep apnea can significantly improve mood, mental focus, and overall quality of life.

Prevention of Sleep Apnea

While not all cases of sleep apnea can be prevented, certain measures can reduce the risk:

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Exercise regularly
• Avoid alcohol and sedatives before bed
• Quit smoking
• Treat nasal congestion or allergies
• Stick to a consistent sleep schedule

When to See a Doctor?

• It’s important to consult a doctor or sleep specialist if you:
• Snore loudly and regularly
• Wake up gasping or choking
• Feel excessively tired during the day
• Experience headaches, depression, or difficulty concentrating

If you are in Bangalore, visit a best pulmonologist in Bangalore at the best pulmonology hospital in Bangalore, such as SPARSH Hospital. Expert care and diagnostic tools can help confirm sleep apnea and tailor an effective treatment plan.

Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions