sleep apnea
Sleep apnea is a condition in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. These brief interruptions may involve choking or gasping sounds, but they often do not fully wake the person experiencing them. It is estimated that around 18 million Americans have sleep apnea, and many are unaware that they have the condition.
What Causes Sleep Apnea?
There are two main types of sleep apnea: obstructive and central. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common form and occurs when the throat muscles relax during sleep, causing the airway to become partially or completely blocked. Central sleep apnea is less common and happens when the brain does not send proper signals to control breathing during sleep.
The most noticeable sign of sleep apnea is loud, chronic snoring. Other symptoms may include excessive daytime sleepiness, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, irritability, and depression. Some people also experience morning headaches, sore throats, and waking up with a dry mouth.
Risk factors include being male, overweight, and over the age of 40, although sleep apnea can affect individuals of any age or gender. Additional contributing factors include aging, excess throat tissue, a large soft palate or uvula, a small jaw, a thick neck, and enlarged tonsils or adenoids.
Sleep apnea is more than a minor sleep disturbance—it can lead to serious health complications if left untreated, including high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, congestive heart failure, and irregular heart rhythms (cardiac arrhythmias). If sleep apnea is suspected, it is important to see a physician for a full evaluation, which may include a physical exam and a sleep study.
Lifestyle changes can help reduce symptoms in some cases. These may include losing weight, avoiding alcohol (especially before bedtime), quitting smoking, sleeping on your side instead of your back, and elevating the head during sleep.
The most common and effective treatment is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), which delivers steady airflow through a mask worn during sleep to keep the airway open. Other treatment options include oral appliances that reposition the jaw and tongue, nasal breathing aids, and, in some cases, surgical procedures.