What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that occurs when a person’s breathing is interrupted during sleep. People with sleep apnea often snore loudly and have difficulty staying asleep. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common type of sleep apnea and occurs when the airway becomes blocked during sleep. Central sleep apnea (CSA) is less common and occurs when the brain doesn’t send the proper signals to the muscles that control breathing.sleep apnea obstructive sleep apneasleep apnea obstructive sleepSleep Apneato studySleep Apneais characterized byLoud snoringis a symptom ofObstructivesleepapnea, which is interrupted breathing duringNot everyone who snoreshas OSA, but nearly all people with OSA snore.If you think you may have Obstructive Sleep Apneayou should see your doctor for evaluation and treatment. Some people with mild Obstructive Sleep Apneacan be treated with simple lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, quitting smoking, sleeping on your side or avoiding alcohol before bedtime. More severe cases may require use of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine to help keep your airway open while you sleep or other medical treatments including Surgeryto remove excess tissue from the throat or upper airway
What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?
What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?
If you have sleep apnea, you may not be aware of it because it can happen while you’re asleep. However, there are some telltale signs and symptoms to look out for.
One of the most common symptoms is loud snoring. If you snore loudly and feel exhausted during the day, it could be a sign that you have sleep apnea. Other symptoms include:
* Waking up gasping for air or feeling like you’re choking
* Having pauses in your breathing during sleep (apneas)
* Waking up with a headache or dry mouth
Sleep apnea can also lead to high blood pressure and other health problems. If you think you might have sleep apnea, see a doctor. They may recommend a sleep study to confirm the diagnosis.
What are the causes of sleep apnea?
What are the causes of sleep apnea?
There are several possible causes of sleep apnea. One cause may be due to the anatomy of your upper airway. If you have a narrow throat or a small jaw, this can contribute to sleep apnea. Another possible cause is smoking. Smoking irritates the airway and can make it narrower, which can lead to sleep apnea. Obesity is also a risk factor for sleep apnea. If you are overweight, this can put pressure on your airway and make it more likely to collapse during sleep. Alcohol use is also a risk factor for sleep apnea. Alcohol relaxes the muscles in your throat and can make it more likely that your airway will collapse during sleep.
How is sleep apnea treated?
How is sleep apnea treated?
There are a number of ways to treat sleep apnea, depending on the severity of the condition. For mild sleep apnea, lifestyle changes may be enough to reduce symptoms. These changes can include losing weight, avoiding alcohol and cigarettes, and sleeping on your side instead of your back.
For more severe sleep apnea, there are a variety of medical devices that can be used to keep your airway open during sleep. One common device is a CPAP machine, which delivers gentle air pressure through a mask worn during sleep. Surgery is another option for treating sleep apnea, though it is usually only recommended for people with very severe cases who have not had success with other treatments.