What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder that can lead to the development of serious health problems if left untreated. People who have untreated sleep apnea repeatedly stop breathing during their sleep, sometimes this can occur hundreds of times throughout the night.
There are two types of sleep apnea, obstructive and central.
Obstructive sleep apnea
This is the most common type. Obstructive sleep apnea can take place as repeated episodes of complete or partial blockage of the upper airway during sleep. When these episodes occur, the diaphragm and chest muscles are under increased pressure due to the blocked airway. Usually, breathing resumes with a body jerk or loud gasp. Therefore, apneic episodes can inhibit sound sleep, reduce oxygen flow to vital organs, and cause heart rhythm irregularities.
Central sleep apnea
In contrast to obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea is not caused by airway obstruction. Central sleep apnea occurs when the brain fails to signal to the muscles to enable breathing. This is caused by instability in the respiratory control center.
Risk factors
Sleep apnea can affect anyone however, certain characteristics may increase the likelihood of developing sleep apnea.
Obstructive sleep apnea
- Obesity
- Neck circumference
- Narrow airways
- Being male
- Age
- Family history
- Alcohol, sedatives, and tranquillizers
- Smoking
- Nasal congestion
- Medical conditions
Central sleep apnea
- Age
- Being male
- Heart disorders
- Narcotic pain medications
- Stroke
Sleep apnea complications
- Tiredness. The irregular sleep patterns that can occur with sleep apnea can cause severe daytime drowsiness, irritability, and fatigue.
- High blood pressure. The drops in blood oxygen levels that can take place because of sleep apnea can lead to increased blood pressure and cardiovascular strain. These effects in combination put those with sleep apnea at risk of high blood pressure.
- Heart problems. Recurrent heart attacks, stroke and abnormal heartbeats are potential complications.
- Type II diabetes. Increased risk of developing insulin resistance and type II diabetes.
- Metabolic syndrome. This syndrome has a close association with high blood pressure, cholesterol levels and high blood glucose.
- Liver problems. People with sleep apnea have a higher chance of getting abnormal liver function test results.
Sleep testing procedure
Before being given treatment, you will require testing for sleep apnea.
Nocturnal polysomnography
- This test will monitor your heart, brain, and lung function, breathing rate, limb movements and blood oxygen saturation whilst you sleep.
Home sleep tests
- These tests are a simpler version of nocturnal polysomnography.
- A portable monitoring device that measures your heart rate, blood oxygen saturation and airflow.
Non-machine treatment vs machine treatment
Non-machine treatment
Non-machine treatment is often in the form of mouthpieces, which can help prevent snoring and sleep apnea. Your doctor may recommend this as an alternative to other treatments.
- Mandibular advancement device (MAD). This is the most used sleep apnea mouth guard. These devices are snapped over the upper and lower mouth arches and have metal hinges that enable the lower jaw to be moved forwards.
- Tongue retaining device. This is less common than a MAD. This device works as a splint to hold the tongue and keep the airway open.
Machine treatment
- CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure). These sleep apnea machines work by blowing air continuously down your throat to keep the airways open during sleep.
- CPAP machines consist of three parts: a mask that is placed over the nose and mouth, a motor for blowing the air and a large tube that connects the mask and motor.
- Benefits. Benefits of CPAP machines include reduced snoring, improved sleep quality, reduced daytime sleeping and lowered blood pressure.
- Side effects. Some side effects may include, dry mouth, nasal congestion, nose irritations and soreness and stomach bloating.
The type of treatment that you use will be dependent on your sleep apnea type, severity, and personal preferences. Your doctor will help you decide which method is best for you and will show you how to use your equipment.