Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that affects the way a person breathes while sleeping. It is a condition that is characterized by repeated breathing interruptions while sleeping.

The term sleep apnea is derived from the Greek words “apnea” which means “lack of breath”.

Types of Sleep Apnea

There are three types of sleep apnea:.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
Central Sleep Apnea (CSA)
Complex Sleep Apnea (CompSA)

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

This type of sleep apnea is the most common. It occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat fail to keep the airway open, which leads to decreased oxygen levels in the blood and briefly waking up to breathe, several times during sleep.

The loud snoring sound people with OSA make is the sound of air being forced past the narrowed airway in their throat.

Central Sleep Apnea (CSA)

This is less common than OSA. It occurs when the brain fails to send proper signals to the muscles responsible for breathing. The issue is neurological, not physiological.

Complex Sleep Apnea (CompSA)

This type of sleep apnea is a combination of both Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Central Sleep Apnea (CSA).

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

The symptoms of sleep apnea include:.

Loud snoring
Excessive daytime sleepiness
Morning headache
Difficulty concentrating
Mood changes and irritability
Insomnia
Awakening with a dry mouth or sore throat
Gasping or choking during sleep

Treatment for Sleep Apnea

There are different treatment options available for sleep apnea. The treatment that is most appropriate for a particular patient may depend on the type of sleep apnea, the severity of the condition, and other factors unique to the patient.

Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, losing weight, and avoiding alcohol and sedatives can help to improve the symptoms of sleep apnea. In some cases, just making lifestyle changes may be enough to treat mild cases of sleep apnea.

CPAP Therapy

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy is a treatment where a person wears a mask over their nose or mouth while sleeping. A CPAP machine is used to deliver a continuous flow of air at an appropriate pressure to help keep the airway open.

CPAP is one of the most effective treatments for sleep apnea, especially moderate to severe cases.

Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) Therapy

Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) therapy is similar to CPAP therapy; it involves wearing a mask over the nose or mouth while sleeping.

However, BiPAP therapy delivers two different pressures: one for inhalation and a lower pressure for exhalation. It is more suitable for patients with severe sleep apnea, those requiring high-pressure settings, and those who cannot tolerate CPAP therapy.

Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs)

Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs) are oral devices that are worn at night and work by positioning the lower jaw forward, which helps to keep the airway open.

These devices can be an effective alternative treatment for people who cannot tolerate CPAP therapy or who have milder cases of OSA.

Surgery

Surgery may be recommended for severe cases of sleep apnea that have not responded to other treatments.

Surgical options include Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), which removes excess tissue in the throat, and Maxillomandibular Advancement (MMA), which repositions the upper and lower jaw to help keep the airway open.

Conclusion

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that can happen to anyone. Several treatment options can help manage the condition effectively. The best treatment for a particular patient depends on several factors that must be evaluated by a healthcare professional.