Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where a person's breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep. These interruptions can last for a few seconds to minutes and may happen many times throughout the night. The most common types of sleep apnea are:
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA): This is the most common type, caused by a physical blockage in the throat or airway (often the collapse of soft tissue in the back of the throat or blockage by the tongue). It’s often associated with loud snoring.
- Central sleep apnea: This occurs when the brain fails to send the proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. Unlike OSA, it’s not caused by a blocked airway.
- Complex sleep apnea syndrome: Also known as treatment-emergent central sleep apnea, it’s a combination of obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea.
Common symptoms include:
- Snoring
- Gasping for air during sleep
- Excessive daytime sleepiness or fatigue
- Trouble concentrating or memory problems
- Irritability
- Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking
Risks of untreated sleep apnea:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease or stroke
- Diabetes
- Weight gain
- Decreased quality of life
- Increased risk of accidents due to daytime drowsiness
Treatment often involves lifestyle changes (like weight loss, sleep position adjustments), using a CPAP machine (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure), surgery, or simply using an oral sleep appliance allowing the patient to move their lower jaw forward, bringing the tongue along with it, thus preventing it from obstructing the airway.
If you or someone you know thinks they might have sleep apnea, it’s worth a consultation with Dr. Below for a comprehensive sleep evaluation and treatment plan.
