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What Is Sleep Apnea? Understanding the Condition and Its Effects

Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder characterised by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. These pauses can last for a few seconds to minutes and may occur multiple times throughout the night. Sleep apnea disrupts restful sleep and can lead to a range of health problems if left untreated. Recognising the signs and understanding the causes, diagnosis and treatment options is important for maintaining good health and quality of life.

Types of Sleep Apnea

There are three main types of sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common and occurs when the muscles at the back of the throat relax excessively, blocking the airway. Central sleep apnea (CSA) happens when the brain temporarily fails to send proper signals to the breathing muscles. Mixed or complex sleep apnea involves features of both OSA and CSA.

Signs and Symptoms

Common symptoms of sleep apnea include loud snoring, choking or gasping during sleep, restless sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, difficulty concentrating and irritability. Many people with sleep apnea are unaware of their condition until a partner notices the symptoms or they experience daytime impairment.

Causes and Risk Factors

Obstructive sleep apnea is often caused by anatomical features such as a narrow airway, enlarged tonsils or excess weight that increase airway obstruction. Age, smoking, alcohol use and family history also contribute. Central sleep apnea is linked to conditions affecting the brainstem or heart failure.

Diagnosis

Sleep apnea is diagnosed through a sleep study, either conducted in a specialised sleep clinic or at home using portable equipment. The study monitors breathing patterns, oxygen levels, heart rate and brain activity during sleep to identify apneas and their severity.

Treatment and Management

Treatment depends on the type and severity of sleep apnea. Lifestyle changes such as weight loss, avoiding alcohol and quitting smoking can reduce symptoms. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is the most common treatment for OSA, using a mask to keep the airway open during sleep. Dental devices, positional therapy or surgery may also be recommended. For CSA, addressing underlying medical conditions is important.

Potential Complications

Untreated sleep apnea increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes and daytime accidents due to sleepiness. Managing the condition effectively improves sleep quality and overall health.

When to Seek Help

If you experience loud snoring, choking during sleep or excessive daytime tiredness, consult a healthcare professional for assessment. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications.

In Summary

Sleep apnea is a disorder causing repeated breathing interruptions during sleep, leading to poor sleep quality and health risks. With proper diagnosis and treatment, most people can manage symptoms and improve their quality of life.