Sleep Apnea
Overview
Sleep apnea is a dangerous but common sleep disorder that makes it hard to breathe while you sleep. People who have sleep apnea stop breathing many times during the night. These stops can last anywhere from a few seconds to minutes. These breaks often make it hard to sleep, which can have a big effect on your health as a whole. Effectively managing sleep apnea requires understanding its symptoms, causes, and available treatment options.
How Common is Sleep Apnea?
A lot of people have sleep apnea, but not many know it. About 5-10% of people in Pakistan are thought to have some form of sleep apnea, but many cases are still not recognized. It happens more often in guys, older adults, and people who have certain health problems, like being overweight.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Based on the type and severity of sleep apnea, the signs can be different. Some common signs are:
- Loud snoring.
- Gasping or choking during sleep.
- Waking up often or having restless sleep.
- Feeling tired during the day or being too sleepy.
- Having trouble focusing.
- Getting headaches in the morning, or having mood swings.
These symptoms often go unnoticed, as they occur during sleep, but family members or partners may notice them.
Causes of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea can be classified into three main types based on its causes:
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
This type of sleep apnea typically occurs when the throat muscles relax too much during sleep, temporarily obstructing the airway. Some things that can lead to OSA are being overweight and having enlarged tonsils or adenoids.
- Changes in the structure of the lung.
- Growing old, which makes muscles less toned.
Central sleep apnea
Central sleep apnea occurs when the brain fails to send the proper signals to the muscles responsible for controlling breathing.
It is often linked to:
- Brain diseases like stroke.
- Heart failure.
- Some medicines, such as opioids.
Sleep Apnea in Children
Babies and kids can also have sleep apnea, which is usually caused by tonsils or adenoids that are too big. Some genetic conditions, like Down syndrome, and being overweight are also reasons. Children may snore, breathe through their mouths, wet the bed, and have behavior problems like being hyperactive.
Diagnosis of Sleep Apnea
Diagnosing sleep apnea typically involves the following steps:
Medical History and Physical Exam: To identify your symptoms, the doctor may examine your throat, mouth, and neck.
Sleep Studies:
- Polysomnography: A comprehensive overnight test that monitors breathing, oxygen levels, and brain activity.
- Home Sleep Apnea Test (HSAT): A simpler, portable device to monitor breathing patterns during sleep.
When to Visit a Neurologist for Sleep Apnea?
If you experience severe symptoms, such as frequent episodes of breathlessness during sleep, daytime sleepiness despite adequate rest, or worsening of neurological conditions, it’s essential to consult a neurologist. They can help determine if central sleep apnea or an underlying neurological issue is contributing to the problem.
Risk Factors for Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is more likely to happen because of a number of things, such as:
- Being overweight or obese.
- Smoking.
- Alcohol consumption, especially before bedtime.
- A history of sleep apnea in the family.
- Congestion in the nose from allergies or structural problems • Being male or over the age of 40.
Complications of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea should be treated timely otherwise can cause major health problems like:
- Hypertension.
- Heart disease and stroke.
- Depression and worry.
- Type 2 diabetes.
- Long-term fatigue that lowers quality of life.
- Complications during surgery due to breathing difficulties.
Conclusion
Sleep apnea is a manageable condition when diagnosed and treated promptly. Changing how you live, using continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatments, or even surgery can help a lot with symptoms and lower health risks. If you noticed such signs of sleep apnea, you should see a doctor to get a good diagnosis and treatment to enhance your overall well-being and quality of life.