About Sleep

Understanding sleep apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder in which the airways are repeatedly blocked or narrowed during sleep. This usually happens because the muscles in the throat relax, causing the airways to partially or completely collapse, obstructing airflow. When the airway is blocked, the person temporarily stops breathing – a pause that can last from a few seconds to over a minute and can happen many times during the night.

Symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea

• Loud snoring: One of the most common symptoms, often with sudden pauses followed by gasping breaths.
• Restless sleep: Frequent awakenings due to the pauses in breathing.
• Tiredness during the day: Lack of consistent sleep can lead to fatigue, difficulty concentrating and a feeling of being out of sorts.
• Morning headache: Short oxygen breaks can cause headache or discomfort in the morning.
• Mood swings and irritability: Lack of sleep can affect mood and increase the risk of depression and irritability.

Risk factors and causes

Obstructive sleep apnea most often affects adults, especially overweight people. Other risk factors include age, smoking, alcohol consumption, an anatomically narrow airway, and family history of sleep apnea.

Treatment of obstructive sleep apnea

• CPAP machine: A machine that uses air pressure to keep the airways open during sleep so that breathing can continue uninterrupted.
• Lifestyle changes: Weight loss, smoking cessation and reducing alcohol intake can reduce symptoms.
• Mouth splint: A dentist can make a splint that helps hold the jaw in a position that keeps the airway open.
• Surgery: In some cases, surgical interventions can help if the airways are too narrow.

Obstructive sleep apnea can have serious health consequences, such as an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure and diabetes, so it is important to get treatment if you have symptoms.