Osbtructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
Sleep Apnea is a Silent Killer.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. The most common type is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), where the muscles at the back of the throat relax excessively, leading to a temporary blockage of the airway. This results in pauses in breathing, often accompanied by loud snoring and sometimes followed by a gasping or choking sound when breathing resumes.
Common symptoms of sleep apnea include:
Loud Snoring
Excessive Daytime Sleepiness
Restless Sleep
Abrupt Awakenings With A Sensation Of Choking Or Gasping
Difficulty Staying Asleep.
Daytime Irritability or Mood Swings
Morning Headaches
Chronic Daytime Sleepiness
Concentration problems during the day
Health Complications Caused By Sleep Apnea:
Cancer
Stroke
Heart Disease
Type 2 diabetes
Obesity (body mass index > 30)
Depression
Sexual Dysfunction
Hypertension
Dementia/Alzheimer’s Disease
Increased Risk for Auto Accidents
Drowsy Driving
Diagnosis typically involves a sleep study conducted in a sleep clinic, where professionals monitor various parameters like breathing patterns, heart rate, and oxygen levels during sleep. Treatment options range from lifestyle changes, such as weight loss and positional therapy, to the use of devices like continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines, which help keep the airway open.
Who is at a high risk for sleep apnea?
In general sleep apnea is more commonly seen in males than in females, as well as in individuals over 40 years old. Having said this, anyone can develop sleep apnea—regardless of their gender or age. Some of the biggest factors that contribute to a heightened risk for sleep apnea include:
Excess Weight Or Obesity
A Thick Neck
Narrow Airways
Alcohol Consumption Before Bed
A small Lower Jaw
Large Tonsils
Narrow Airways
A family History Of Sleep Apnea and/or Snoring
What makes sleep apnea worse?
Diabetes – The intensity of sleep apnea not only impacts specific symptoms of diabetes but also, conversely, inadequate control of glucose levels has been associated with more severe instances of sleep apnea.
Alcohol — Alcohol consumption, especially near bedtime, can heighten muscle relaxation, leading to increased obstruction of the airway by the tongue and throat tissues during sleep.
Weight Gain – Excessive weight can lead to an increase in the size of tissues surrounding the airway (Men neck size greater than 17cm and women neck size greater than 16 cm), raising the risk of the airway collapsing when muscles relax during sleep.
Sleep Position – When you sleeping on your back you gradually can cause the muscle of your tongue to relax deeper into the mouth/throat; hence, limiting proper airflow to your lungs.
What is considered severe sleep apnea?
The severity of sleep apnea is typically assessed based on the number of apneas (complete cessations of breathing) and hypopneas (partial blockages) that occur per hour during sleep. This measurement is referred to as the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI). Here are the general classifications:
1. Normal: AHI less than 5 events per hour.
2. Mild Sleep Apnea: AHI between 5 and 15 events per hour.
3. Moderate Sleep Apnea: AHI between 15 and 30 events per hour.
4. Severe Sleep Apnea: AHI of 30 events per hour or more.
How does sleep apnea affect the heart?
Sleep apnea can have significant effects on the heart and cardiovascular system. The recurrent disruptions in breathing during sleep lead to a decrease in oxygen levels in the blood, triggering several physiological responses that can impact heart health:
1. Hypoxemia (Low Oxygen Levels): The intermittent pauses in breathing result in reduced oxygen levels in the blood, leading to hypoxemia. This places additional strain on the heart as it works harder to pump oxygen-depleted blood to vital organs.
2. Increased Blood Pressure: Sleep apnea is associated with a higher risk of hypertension (high blood pressure). The cyclic drops in oxygen levels prompt the body to release stress hormones, elevating blood pressure. Over time, this can contribute to the development or worsening of hypertension.
3. Cardiac Arrhythmias: Sleep apnea may increase the risk of irregular heartbeats or arrhythmias. The fluctuation in oxygen levels and the stress response to interrupted breathing can disrupt the normal rhythm of the heart.
4. Heart Disease: Chronic untreated sleep apnea is linked to an increased risk of developing or exacerbating cardiovascular diseases, including coronary artery disease and heart failure. The cumulative impact of strain on the heart can contribute to long-term damage.
5. Stroke: Individuals with sleep apnea may have an elevated risk of stroke. The combination of high blood pressure and other cardiovascular factors associated with sleep apnea can contribute to the formation of blood clots and increase the likelihood of stroke.
Given these potential cardiovascular consequences, it’s crucial for individuals with sleep apnea to seek medical evaluation and appropriate management. Treatment options, including lifestyle changes, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, or other interventions, can help reduce the impact of sleep apnea on the heart and overall cardiovascular health.
In severe sleep apnea, individuals experience frequent and prolonged interruptions in breathing during sleep, which can significantly impact their overall health and well-being. It's crucial for those diagnosed with severe sleep apnea to seek appropriate medical treatment, which may include lifestyle changes, the use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices, or other interventions recommended by healthcare professionals. CPAP machine is a continuous positive airway pressure or machine. This machine pumps air through the tube in to a mask that fits over your nose or both your nose and mouth. The mild air pressure of the CPAP machine helps keep your airway open enabling you to get a deep restful sleep.
NOTE: For mild or moderate obstructive sleep apnea an oral appliance may keep your airway open. This device works by pulling your jaw forward and moving both your tongue and roof of your mouth open away from back of your throat.
Questions to ask if sleep apnea is suspected:
Do you snore?
Do you grind your teeth?
Do you wake up tired or unrefreshed?
Do you have morning headaches?
Do you consistently wake up in the middle of the night to use restroom?
Do you wear a CPAP?
Have you been told you choke/gasp for breath while sleeping?
There are many options to treat sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a silent killer. An individual with sleep apnea is at greater risk of death from stroke. Take this matter seriously and seek professional help and don’t let your loved ones suffer.