Sleep Apnea is a severe sleep disorder that occurs when your breathing is interrupted during sleep. This is caused by the muscles in the back of your throat failing to keep the airway open, leading to decreased oxygen levels in the body.

This condition can lead to serious health issues if left untreated, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.

Types of Sleep Apnea

There are three types of sleep apnea:.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): This is the most common type of sleep apnea, occurring when the throat muscles relax during sleep.
Central Sleep Apnea: This type of sleep apnea occurs when the brain fails to send the appropriate signals to the muscles that control breathing.
Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome: Also known as treatment-emergent central sleep apnea, this type of sleep apnea occurs when someone has both central sleep apnea and obstructive sleep apnea.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

Some of the most common signs and symptoms of sleep apnea include:.

Loud snoring
Pauses in breathing during sleep
Gasping for air during sleep
Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat
Insomnia
Difficulty staying asleep
Excessive daytime sleepiness
Difficulty concentrating
Irritability
Depression

Risk Factors for Sleep Apnea

While anyone can develop sleep apnea, there are certain factors that can increase your risk:.

Being male
Being overweight or obese
Having a thick neck
Having a narrow airway
Hypertension
Being over the age of 40
Smoking
Family history of sleep apnea
Nasal congestion

Diagnosing Sleep Apnea

If you suspect you have sleep apnea, your doctor will likely recommend a sleep study. During a sleep study, you’ll sleep in a lab while your body functions are monitored.

Your doctor may also ask you to keep a sleep diary, recording your sleep patterns and symptoms.

Treatment for Sleep Apnea

Treatment for sleep apnea typically involves a combination of lifestyle changes, breathing devices, and surgery. Some options include:.

Weight loss
Avoiding alcohol and sedatives
Sleeping on your side rather than your back
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine
Oral appliances to keep the airway open
Surgery to remove excess tissue from the throat or nose

Conclusion

Sleep apnea is a serious condition that can have negative impacts on your physical and mental health. If you’re concerned that you or a loved one may have sleep apnea, it’s important to speak with a doctor.

With proper treatment, most individuals with sleep apnea are able to improve their quality of life.