Sleep Apnea from A to Zzz

ASA Sleep Apnea American Sleep Association from U A to Zzz 82:15 What is Sleep Apnea? Sleep apnea is a disorder characterized by repetitive pauses in breathing during sleep. As blood-oxygen levels decrease, the individual wakes up, often with a loud gasp or snort. Most people have sleep apnea for years before being diagnosed. It can't be detected during a routine doctor's appointment or with a blood test. Usually, it is the bed partner or family member who becomes suspicious. Here's everything you need to know about sleep apnea, from the causes and risks to getting an accurate diagnosis and treatment. The 3 Types of Sleep Apnea 1 Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) Central Sleep Apnea (CSA) This is the most common This occurs in 1 in 5 cases when diagnosis. The throat muscles relax during sleep to such an extent that the passage of air to and from the lungs the brain "forgets" to tell the airways to remain open during sleep. It is often triggered by Parkinson's Disease, brain infections, strokes, and drug use. becomes blocked. 3 Mixed Sleep Apnea (MSÅ) Mixed Sleep Apnea is a combination of OSA and CSA in varying levels of severity and complexity. ZzZ What Are the Warning Signs of Sleep Apnea? ZzZ SLEÉP Loud Snoring Headache Insomnia Gasping or Choking While Sleeping Sleepiness During the Day Frequent Sore or Dry Throat ZZ Abrupt Awakening During the Night Sleep Apnea Causes The following lifestyle issues can encourage the likelihood of sleep apnea: Smoking Using Drugs Being Overweight Excessive Drinking You're also more likely to suffer from sleep apnea if you: Suffer From Allergies Are Male Have Narrow Airways Sleep Apnea Causes If you don't get sleep apnea diagnosed and treated, you're at a higher risk of: High Blood Pressure Heart Failure Obesity Diabetes Having an Accident Stroke ZzZ ZzZ How is Sleep Apnea Diagnosed? 2 Family & Medical History Physical Examination You'll be asked specific questions The doctor will check your nose, regarding how well you function during the day, how well you sleep at night, and whether any family members have been diagnosed with sleep apnea. mouth, and throat for large or additional tissues. An enlarged soft palate or uvula could be contributing to sleep apnea. 3 Sleep Studies A series of tests will measure the quality of your sleep and how your body is reacting to sleep problems. You can have a PSG (polysomnogram) in a lab or a Home Sleep Test (HST). Sleep Apnea Treatments Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Machines These machines automatically adjust to the pressure as you breathe, so if your breathing changes, the machine automatically adjusts to keep your airways open as you sleep. CPAP machines have a 100% success rate and are ideal for comprehensive treatment needs. 000000 Mouthguards These devices work by preventing your tongue from falling back into the throat, ZzZ which is what causes you to temporarily stop breathing. Mouthguards are a convenient and less expensive option. Can Sleep Apnea Be Cured? Two possible cures for sleep apnea are: Weight Loss Surgery There is a strong correlation Bariatric surgery works by between high BMI and airway reducing body weight. Other crowding, which leads to upper surgeries work by removing or airway resistance and breathing shrinking the extra soft tissues that surround the upper airway, blockage. Losing weight is a beneficial but gradual process, so does not yield positive thus increasing the diameter of the airway. As with all surgeries, effects quickly. there are potential risks. ZN Not everyone can be cured of sleep apnea so it is important to get an effective treatment to keep your sleep disorder well managed. Find out more at www.sleepassociation.org/ Sources: 1. https://www.sleepassociation.org/sleep-disorders/sleep-apnea/ 2. https://wwwsleepassociation.org/sleep-disorders/sleep-apnea/sleep-apnea-cure/ 3. https://www.sleepassociation.org/sleep-disorders/sleep-apnea/sleep-apnea-surgery/ 4. https://www.sleepassociation.org/sleep-disorders/sleep-apnea/sleep-apnea-solutions/ 5. https://www.sleepassociation.org/sleep-disorders/sleep-apnea/obstructive-sleep-apnea/ 6. https://www.sleepassociation.org/sleep-disorders/sleep-apnea/central-sleep-apnea/ 7. https://www.sleepassociation.org/sleep-disorders/sleep-apnea/sleep-apnea-diagnosis/ 8. https://www.sleepassociation.org/sleep-disorders/sleep-apnea/sleep-apnea-the-signs-and-symptoms/ ASA American Sleep Association