Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea impacts more than 936 million people worldwide.
Reference: Benjafield AV et al, “Estimation of the global prevalence and burden of obstructive sleep apnea: A literature-based analysis”. Vol 7:8; 687-98. Lancet Respir Med 2019. Statistic based on US findings for adults aged 30-69. (Reference Link)
If you think you or a loved one has sleep apnea:
Fill the questionnaire for assessment of sleep apnea.
Discuss treatment options, talk to us.
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a disorder that many are unaware of and related to sleep which may lead to difficulty in breathing and even stop breathing. This may interfere with oxygenation required by the body and can lead to various health concerns. Hence, it is important to know about sleep apnea and whether you have this problem. Now sleep apnea can be managed well through various therapies like CPAP to enable you live an active and a healthy life.
What are the types of sleep apnea?
The main types of sleep apnea are:
- Obstructive sleep apnea, the commonest form, occurs when throat muscles relax and causes hinderance to oxygen flow to lungs.
- Central sleep apnea occurs when brain doesn’t send proper signals to the muscles which are associated with breathing.
- Complex sleep apnea syndrome, occurs when a person has both obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea.
What happens in obstructive sleep apnea when the airway is blocked or partially blocked?
- Adequate air doesn’t reach lungs. Oxygen level in blood falls while level of carbon dioxide increase.
- This triggers the brain to wake up and breathing resumes.
- Cycle repeats.
- When breathing resumes, the airway remains reduced in size causing the surrounding tissues to vibrate and what can be heard as snoring which maybe a sign of obstructed airway.
However, silence might indicate that the airway is completely blocked.
If the brain doesn’t wake up, after a few minutes of blocked airways, a person can die. Hence sleep apnea should be addressed properly.
What problems are associated with apnea?
Usually waking up is essential to ending an episode of apnea or abnormally low and shallow breathing. A person with obstructive sleep apnea wakes up repeatedly, reducing the duration and quality of sleep. At times, a person may not even be aware of this awakening.
Daytime fatigue: The repeated awakenings make deep sleep difficult, and may cause fatigue, irritability, drowsiness and even depression. Inability to focus, concentrate and sleeping at odd hours could be additional problems. Such people may be vulnerable to increased risk of accidents.
Children who have similar problems might have behavior problems or difficulty preforming well at school.
High blood pressure or heart problems: Repeated sudden drops in blood oxygen levels that occur during sleep apnea increase heart rate and blood pressure, straining the cardiovascular system. Stress induced secretion of some hormones and inflammatory processes may further cause complications. Hence, obstructive sleep apnea may increase the risk of developing hypertension, recurrent heart attack, stroke and abnormal heartbeats, such as atrial fibrillation. Some of these conditions could be fatal.
Type 2 diabetes: Having sleep apnea could increase the risk of developing insulin resistance leading to type 2 diabetes.
Metabolic syndrome: A multifaceted problem which includes high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels, high blood sugar and an increased waist circumference, are factors linked to a heart disease.
Liver problems: People with sleep apnea are more likely to develop liver diseases including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
Social illbeing: Those sleeping near a snoring person could have difficulty sleeping well.
What are the risk factors of developing sleep apnea?
Factors that may be linked to increased risk of developing sleep apnea are:
Excess weight: Fat deposits around upper airway can increase risk of obstructing breathing and developing sleep apnea.
Neck circumference: People with thicker necks might have narrower airways.
Family history: Having family members with sleep apnea might increase your risk. Some people have a genetic predisposition to having a narrow throat. Tonsils or adenoids also can enlarge and block the airway, particularly in children.
Being male: Men are generally at a higher risk of developing sleep apnea. However, for women who are overweight or have menopause could have increased risk too.
Being older: Sleep apnea is more often in older adults.
Alcohol, sedatives or tranquilizers: These substances relax troat muscles worsening obstructive sleep apnea.
Smoking: Smoking can increase inflammation and fluid retention in the upper airway, increasing the risk of developing apnea.
Nasal congestion: People who have breathing issues due to allergies or anatomical issues could develop sleep apnea
Medical conditions: Congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and Parkinson’s disease are some of the conditions that may increase the risk of obstructive sleep apnea. Polycystic ovary syndrome, hormonal disorders, prior stroke and chronic lung diseases such as asthma also can increase risk.
What are the management and treatment options of sleep apnea?
Options vary from mere losing weight, quitting smoking, treating allergies, devices and surgeries to open blocked airway and positive airway pressure therapies.
Therapies
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP).
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapies could be beneficial to managing sleep apnea. Air pressure being delivered to the patient through a mask is higher than its surrounding which aids in keeping the upper airway passages open, preventing snoring and apnea.
Bilevel positive airway pressure (BPAP)
Certain types of bilevel positive airway pressure therapies can also be beneficial especially for those who require other options than CPAP. These provide more pressure during inhalation and less during exhalation.
Many CPAP mask options are available.
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) masks and headgear come in many styles and sizes to comfortably treat your sleep apnea. Everyone has different needs, preferences and face shapes, and sometimes you will need to try different mask styles before you find the one that works the best for you.
Sizes may vary across different mask styles and brands. You may need to try on several styles and sizes to find the best combination of comfort and efficiency.
For example, if you take a small in one type it does not necessarily mean you will need a small in a different brand. Proper sizing is very important to comfort and performance of masks.
Here’s a look at a few CPAP mask styles and some possible benefits of each. Work with your doctor and CPAP mask supplier to make sure you have a mask that suits your needs and fits you properly.
Nasal pillow mask
Nasal pillows fit at the nares to supply air pressure.
Could be beneficial if:
- if one feels claustrophobic in masks that cover more face
- to have a better field of vision for reading or watching TV
- while using glasses
- if one has facial hair that interferes with other masks
Nasal masks
The mask covering the nose supplies air pressure.
Could be beneficial if:
- a high air pressure setting masks is prescribed
- there is a lot of movement during sleep.
Full-face masks
The mask covering the nose and mouth supplies air pressure.
Could be beneficial :
- there is nasal obstruction or congestion that makes breathing through your nose difficult
- one breathes through mouth at night despite a month of trying a nasal mask or nasal pillow interface combined with a heated humidity feature or chin strap or both to keep your mouth closed.
For more details on masks visit the following link
Frequently asked questions
There are three types of sleep apnea: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), central sleep apnea (CSA) and mixed sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea accounts for 84% of sleep apnea diagnoses*. Consult your doctor to find out if you have sleep apnea.
Reference:
Source: Palnitkar G, et al., “Obstructive sleep apnea in adults: identifying risk factors and tailoring therapy,” Medicine Today (2012) 13(8):14-23.
It’s important to remember anyone can have sleep apnea – men, women and children. It is typically associated with:
A narrow throat airway
Overweight/obese
Family history of sleep apnea
Increasing age
Sleep apnea is very serious and can lead to short- and long-term health conditions if left untreated. These health conditions include:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Type 2 diabetes
- Hypertension
- Stroke
- Obesity/Overweight
What’s more, people with untreated sleep apnea may lack the energy to enjoy all that life has to offer.
Yes. While many people who have sleep apnea are overweight, others are quite fit. The natural shape and structure of your airway (nose and throat) plays a big role in your chance of developing sleep apnea.
Many things can make us tired. Sometimes we just need to practice good sleep habits. If you feel extra tired in the morning, even though you thought you got a good night’s sleep, then you may have a sleep disorder like sleep apnea. Any problems with your sleep should be discussed with your doctor.
