Sleep apnea is a serious and
sometimes life-threatening sleep disorder that can lead to chronic sleeplessness or
insomnia. In this condition, sleepers are frequently awakened throughout the night when they struggle for breath or even stop breathing for 10 or 20 seconds at a time, often multiple times per hour. Waking slightly in order to take a breath, sleep is disrupted, and the deep restorative stages of sleep
(particularly vital
REM sleep) may not be reached at all. Furthermore, frequent periods of oxygen deprivation and carbon dioxide build up adversely affect health.
Unfortunately, 90% of those with sleep apnea are unaware that they have
this
sleep disorder, unless another person notices it and tells them about it. They just know they awaken groggy and feel sleepy during the day, even if they think they
sleep well through the night. Their partner may notice periods of silence when they should be breathing, or hear them gasp for air at various intervals. Sometimes loud snoring may be an indication of sleep apnea. But in this case, it is due to a complete blockage of the airway, rather than a partial blockage, as with most snoring.
Sleep apnea generally falls within two categories: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), which is more common, and Central Sleep Apnea (CSA). The first type is caused by a physical obstruction in the airway
after they fall
asleep that stops the flow of air through the mouth or nose. Typically, the obstruction occurs when the throat collapses, blocking the airway. This may occur due to an overweight condition, or the physical structure of the throat and related areas. This includes the size of the tonsils, adenoids or tongue, the shape of the head, neck or jaw, or a deviated septum. Excessive mucus congestion may play a role, as well as the consumption of alcohol or other sedatives, which may over-relax the throat muscles
and lead to
sleep deprivation in general.
The second type, Central Sleep Apnea (CSA), is
the less common form, and involves a disorder of the central nervous system that delays the brain’s signal to the body to take a breath. The causes of this
form of the
sleep disorder range from a brain injury to an underlying disease condition to a stroke, a tumor or an infection. But the overall result is the same as OSA: lack of sufficient oxygen intake and disruption of sleep.
Similar to other sleep disorders, sleep apnea can bring about troublesome and sometimes dangerous symptoms of sleep deprivation. Those who suffer from a sleep disorder may experience chronic sleepiness during the day, irritability or shortened temper, difficulty concentrating, clumsiness or a tired appearance.
Sleep disorders not only affect the quality of life, health and relationships, but can actually be dangerous to self and others. Chronic
trouble
sleeping can lead to changes in motor skills, coordination and concentration. Falling
asleep while driving, or having slower reaction times in an accident are just a few of the many serious repercussions of sleep disorders.
Fortunately, once sleep apnea has been detected as the cause of sleeplessness, it can often be relieved through various means
and
sleep aids. If overweight, sleep apnea may disappear
alongside
weight loss. Breathing may be eased simply by adopting a side-sleeping position or raising the head of the bed. Additionally, appliances worn on the head have been developed that help keep the airway open, although they may require a period of adjustment. |
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