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Sleep Apnea
Home » Common Ailments » Sleep Disorders » Sleep ApneaSleep apnea occurs when a person's breathing is interrupted during sleep. It is a very serious sleep disorder, as people with sleep apnea continually stop breathing during sleep, which can be hundreds of times per night. There are two types of sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common of the two and is caused by a blockage of the airway, most commonly when the soft tissue in the back of the throat collapses during sleep. Central sleep apnea (CSA) is common in people with central nervous system dysfunction, lung disease, and heart disease. In central sleep apnea, the airway is not blocked, but the brain does not tell the muscles to breathe because there is instability in the respiratory control center. It is called central sleep apnea because it has to do with the function of the central nervous system.
Men who are overweight and over the age of 40 are at risk for OSA. But sleep apnea can affect anyone at any age. People who have large necks (17 inches or more in men and 16 inches or more in women) are also at risk for OSA. It can also run in families. Symptoms of sleep apnea include waking up with a sore and/or dry throat, waking to a choking or gasping sensation, waking up by hearing your own snoring, day fatigue, morning headaches, forgetfulness, and mood changes.
There are a variety of treatments for sleep apnea. Losing weight can help, as can avoiding alcohol and sleeping pills. Smoking can aggravate sleep apnea, so quitting smoking can help. Special masks are also used for treatment. These masks force air through the airway, preventing the airway from collapsing during sleep. There are even dental devices that help keep the airway open during sleep. Surgery is also an option, and there are several surgical procedures today that can relieve sleep apnea.
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