Sleep apnea is a long-term condition that disrupts your breathing during sleep, causing it to start and stop repeatedly. These interruptions can last over ten seconds and happen up to 400 times each night. This disorder usually occurs when your airway gets blocked or when the brain fails to send the right signals to the breathing muscles during sleep. In the U.S., it’s estimated that 30 million people have sleep apnea.
Common signs include loud snoring, gasping for breath during sleep, and waking up still feeling tired. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to serious health issues like diabetes, heart attacks, and strokes. Thankfully, treating sleep apnea can help you breathe more normally and improve your sleep quality.
There are three types of sleep apnea: obstructive, central, and complex. While they have similar symptoms, their causes and treatments differ. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common type, occurring when throat muscles relax and soft tissues obstruct the airway. Those with OSA might stop breathing 5 to 30 times per hour or more each night. Central sleep apnea (CSA) happens when the brain doesn’t instruct the breathing muscles properly, possibly due to brainstem issues or certain medications. Complex sleep apnea combines symptoms of airway obstruction and brain signaling issues, often identified in people with OSA continuing to experience apnea despite treatment.
Like all types of sleep apnea, complex sleep apnea stems from a combination of factors. OSA occurs when soft tissues like the tongue or tonsils block your airway during sleep. Both genetic and lifestyle factors contribute to its development. CSA arises from brain signaling problems, sometimes with an unknown cause but often linked to health conditions or certain drugs.
You can be at higher risk of sleep apnea if you have certain characteristics, regardless of type. Diagnosing sleep apnea involves reviewing symptoms, sleep habits, and medical history and may require tests to confirm the diagnosis and determine the type and severity of the condition. A healthcare provider will typically use a polysomnography or sleep study—a monitored overnight test—to observe brain activity, breathing, heart rate, and blood oxygen levels.
People might also opt for a home sleep apnea test, a simpler version of a sleep study focusing on crucial indicators like airflow and breathing patterns. The healthcare provider will guide you on setting up a home-based test if needed.
Treating sleep apnea focuses on keeping airways open to limit breathing disruptions during sleep, often involving a mix of strategies depending on individual needs. Healthy lifestyle changes are crucial, which might include a nutritious diet, regular exercise, quitting smoking, and avoiding alcohol before bed.
For obstructive sleep apnea, using a breathing device is the standard approach. This device delivers air pressure through a mask over your nose and mouth to keep airways open. If CPAP therapy isn’t suitable, custom oral appliances from a dentist might be an option. These devices fit in the mouth to help maintain open airways during sleep. Medications aren’t usually a primary treatment but may be used for CSA to reduce apnea episodes. Sometimes, surgery might be necessary if other treatments fail to relieve severe sleep apnea.
While you can’t always prevent sleep apnea, you can lower the risk and enhance your sleep by making smart lifestyle choices. Be aware that untreated sleep apnea can elevate the risk of various chronic conditions over time. However, with proper treatment, most people can see better sleep quality and a reduced risk of related health issues. If persistent symptoms exist even after treatment, consult your healthcare provider for possible adjustments to your plan.
