WHAT IS SLEEP APNEA

UNDERSTANDING

Defining Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. It occurs when the muscles in the back of your throat relax too much and block your airway, causing you to temporarily stop breathing. People with sleep apnea often snore loudly and may experience daytime fatigue, even after a full night's rest. There are three categorizations of apnea events while sleeping, these include:

OBSTRUCTIVE APNEAS

Obstructive apneas are caused by a physical obstruction in the throat that prevents air from entering the lungs.

CENTRAL APNEAS

Central apneas occur when the brain does not send signals to the breathing muscles to open and close your airway.

HYPOPNEAS

Hypopneas are a partial collapse of the airway, causing shallow breaths and a decrease in oxygen levels while you sleep.

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DETECTING SLEEP APNEA

Sleep Apnea Symptoms

The most common sleep apnea symptoms include loud snoring, pauses in breathing or shallow breaths while sleeping, gasping or choking during sleep, excessive daytime fatigue, and frequent nighttime urination. Additional symptoms may include morning headaches, memory loss or difficulty concentrating, irritability, and depression. If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to serious health complications, including:

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

When a person has sleep apnea, they experience pauses in breathing or shallow breaths due to blocked air passages. These episodes of decreased breathing or oxygen deprivation can lead to the release of hormones and other chemicals that raise a person’s blood pressure. Treatment for sleep apnea can help lower high blood pressure in these cases.

STROKE

People with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) often have other health conditions that increase their risk for stroke, such as high blood pressure, diabetes and atrial fibrillation. Sleep apnea can cause fragmented and shallow airflow during sleep that leads to decreased oxygen levels in the body, which is linked to an increased risk of stroke. Treatment of OSA reduces the likelihood of stroke by reducing these risks factors as well as improving quality of life.

HEART FAILURE

People with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have an increased risk for developing hypertension, which can lead to other cardiac problems such as heart attack and stroke. Long-term oxygen deprivation that occurs in OSA can lead to changes in the cardiovascular system over time by increasing blood pressure and damaging the coronary arteries, eventually leading to congestive heart failure.

Frequently Asked Questions

The most typical sign of sleep apnea is loud, ongoing snoring that occasionally includes pauses or gasps, although not all patients with sleep apnea snore. Other symptoms may include daytime fatigue, restless sleep, headache upon waking, morning dry mouth or sore throat, difficulty concentrating during the day, and irritability. In some cases, people with sleep apnea may experience episodes of stopped breathing during sleep.

Sleep apnea is typically diagnosed through an overnight sleep study, also known as a polysomnogram. During this test, the patient will be monitored for oxygen levels, breathing patterns, and other indicators of sleep health. In some cases, a doctor may also order tests such as blood work or imaging studies to further diagnose the condition.

Sleep apnea can be caused by a variety of factors, including physical obstructions such as enlarged tonsils or swollen tissue in the throat; neurological conditions such as stroke or multiple sclerosis; lifestyle choices such as smoking and alcohol consumption; and certain medical conditions like obesity. In some cases, it may also be caused by anatomical problems, like an abnormally-shaped head or jaw. Anyone can have sleep apnea, including elite male and female athletes. If you're experiencing any of the symptoms associated with sleep apnea a sleep study is recommended.

Yes, there are several treatments available for sleep apnea, including oral devices such as mouthguards or a mandibular advancement device (MAD); and CPAP therapy (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure). In some cases, lifestyle changes such as weight loss, a regular sleep schedule, and exercise can greatly reduce sleep apnea's effects. The best treatment will depend on an individual's specific condition and should be discussed with a doctor.

Yes, there are several ways to reduce the risk of developing sleep apnea in the future. Some of these include maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking and alcohol, eating a balanced diet, and getting regular exercise. These lifestyle changes can help keep the airways open so that breathing is not disrupted during sleep. Additionally, it is important to get enough rest each night to ensure that your body is well-rested and ready for the day ahead. Finally, visiting a doctor regularly will ensure that any potential sleep apnea-related issues are addressed before they become more serious. With these preventative measures and lifestyle changes in place, it is possible to significantly reduce the risk of developing this condition in future years.

Dr Kent White | (423) 264-2300 | 1032 McCallie Ave #300A, Chattanooga, TN 374031 | info@chattsleep.com

Dr. Daniel R. Smith | (423) 693-2800 | 1032 McCallie Ave #300, Chattanooga, TN 374031 | info@chattsleep.com

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