There are millions of people all around the world who suffer from a disease they might not even know they have. It’s called obstructive sleep apnea, and it affects almost 25% of adults aged between 30-70 years.

This is a condition where your breathing is interrupted while you’re sleeping, causing you to wake up briefly multiple times a night.

What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) happens when your airway gets blocked for brief periods. When you’re sleeping, your muscles relax, including the muscles in your throat. When these muscles relax, they can block your airway, reducing or stopping airflow.

Your body is smart enough to detect this, and automatically wakes you up briefly to allow you to start breathing normally again. This pattern can repeat itself multiple times a night, resulting in poor quality sleep and a myriad of other health problems.

The Symptoms of OSA

Many people don’t even know they have OSA because it happens while they’re sleeping. However, there are some symptoms that can point towards a diagnosis of OSA:.

Loud snoring, sometimes with choking or gasping sounds
Recurrent waking up during the night feeling tired
Waking up with a headache in the morning
Excessive daytime sleepiness
Forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating

Most people who suffer from OSA have never experienced a full night of restful sleep, which can cause many other health problems.

The Effects of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

When you don’t get a good night’s rest, it can affect your entire day, leaving you feeling fatigued, irritable, and forgetful.

Poor sleep has been linked to mood disorders such as depression and anxiety, poor memory retention, and decreased productivity.

Obstructive sleep apnea can have more long-term effects as well. People with OSA have a higher risk of developing:.

High blood pressure: OSA causes changes in circulation, which can lead to high blood pressure.
Type 2 diabetes: Sleep apnea can affect your ability to regulate blood sugar levels, which can lead to type 2 diabetes.
Heart disease: OSA puts a lot of stress on your heart and can lead to heart disease if left untreated.
Stroke: People with OSA are more likely to have a stroke than those who don’t have the condition.
Obesity: Obesity can be both a cause and a consequence of OSA.
Depression: Poor sleep can lead to feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness.

The Causes of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

There are several factors that can increase your risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea. Some of these include:.

Age: As you get older, your risk of OSA increases
Gender: Men are more likely to develop OSA than women
Obesity: The more overweight you are, the more likely you are to have OSA
Anatomical abnormalities: If you have a naturally narrow airway, or excess tissue in the back of your throat that can contribute to OSA
Smoking: Smoking can cause inflammation in the airway and increase your risk of OSA

Treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

There are several treatments available for obstructive sleep apnea. The most common treatments include:.

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP): This involves wearing a mask over your nose or mouth while you sleep. A machine gently pumps air into your airway, preventing it from collapsing.
Oral appliances: Some people may benefit from wearing an oral appliance similar to a mouthguard that helps keep your airway open while you sleep.
Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove excess tissue or to repair structural abnormalities in the airway.
Lifestyle changes: Making changes to your lifestyle can help manage symptoms of OSA. Losing weight, quitting smoking, and lowering your alcohol intake can all help decrease the severity of your symptoms.

Living with Obstructive Sleep Apnea

If you have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, there are several things you can do to make living with the condition more manageable. Some tips include:.

Stick to a regular sleep schedule and aim for 7-9 hours of sleep every night
Sleep on your side, rather than your back. This can help keep your airway open and reduce the severity of your symptoms.
Avoid alcohol, especially before bed. Alcohol can make your airway more likely to collapse.
Avoid smoking or being around smoke. Smoking can irritate your airway and make your symptoms worse.
Keep your weight in check. Losing even a small amount of weight can help reduce the severity of your symptoms.

Conclusion

Obstructive sleep apnea is a common condition that affects millions of people around the world, yet it’s also a disease that many people are unaware they have.

If you or a loved one has symptoms of OSA, it’s important to speak with your doctor and get a diagnosis. The good news is, there are many effective treatments available that can help reduce the severity of your symptoms and improve your quality of life.