Sleep Apnea

We need sufficient and balanced sleep every day, but some problems might occur during sleep, such as sleep apnea, that might disturb sleep in addition to causing other health issues.

Sleep apnea

It’s a condition that causes frequent stops in breathing while sleeping, which leads to a lack of oxygen in the body. Therefore, a rescue reflex occurs in the brain that causes the person to wake up and breathe again. Sleep apnea might be mild, moderate, or severe.

Sleep apnea syndrome is uncommon, yet it’s widespread and affects 5-10% of people worldwide.

Types of sleep apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea

It’s the most common type. It occurs due to the relaxation of the muscles in the head and neck, and that causes pressure on the trachea, which leads to its obstruction.

Central sleep apnea

There’s a problem in the brain that causes the breathing-controlling muscles to not work correctly, and that leads to apnea.

Mixed sleep apnea

It’s a combination of obstructive and central sleep apnea.

Causes of sleep apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea:

• Obesity.
• Thick neck.
• Narrow throat.
• Enlarged tonsils or adenoids, especially in children.
• Family history.
• Alcohol and sedatives.
• Smoking.
• Some health issues, such as nasal congestion, congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes.
• It occurs more in the male elderly.

Central sleep apnea:

• Heart failure.
• Hypoxia.
• Damage to the nervous system.
• Using narcotics like opioids.
• Previous stroke.
• It occurs more in the male elderly.

Symptoms of sleep apnea

• Snoring.
• Mood swings.
• Daytime sleepiness.
• Tiredness and exhaustion.
• Dry mouth.
• Headaches, especially when waking up.
• Insomnia.
• Night sweats.
• Sexual dysfunction.
• In children: loud snoring, bedwetting, focusing problems, sleeping in strange positions, frequent arm or leg movement during sleeping, heartburn, and night sweats.

Complications of sleep apnea

• High blood pressure and heart problems.
• Type 2 diabetes.
• Metabolic syndrome, which includes high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, high blood sugar, and increased waist circumference.
• Problems during surgeries and general anesthesia.
• Liver problems.

Diagnosis of sleep apnea

• The patient is asked about their symptoms and sleep.
• Usually, two tests are performed, which are nocturnal polysomnography and the home sleep test.

Treatment of sleep apnea

• Losing weight in cases of obesity.
• Changing the sleeping position.
• Some nasal sprays.
• Managing the health issues if they existed.
• Some devices, such as continuous positive air pressure (the patient wears a mask during sleep that delivers continuous oxygen, and it’s the most common).
• Surgery in some cases.
• Specific medications for central sleep apnea.