What nocturnal polysomnography may detect
SLEEP APNEA
Sleep apnea (“apnoea” in British English) can be caused by an obstruction in the airways, possibly due to obesity or enlarged tonsils.
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by interruptions in breathing during sleep. These interruptions, known as apneas, can occur repeatedly throughout the night and may lead to fragmented sleep and other health issues. There are three main types of sleep apnea:
1. **Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA):** This is the most common form of sleep apnea. It occurs when the muscles in the throat relax excessively during sleep, leading to the partial or complete obstruction of the upper airway. The person may experience pauses in breathing and often wakes up briefly to resume normal breathing.
2. **Central Sleep Apnea (CSA):** This type of sleep apnea is less common and occurs when the brain fails to send appropriate signals to the muscles that control breathing. Unlike OSA, there is no physical obstruction of the airway. CSA is often associated with certain medical conditions, such as heart failure.
3. **Complex/Mixed Sleep Apnea:** This is a combination of both obstructive and central sleep apnea. It may initially present as central sleep apnea and later develop into obstructive sleep apnea.
Common signs and symptoms of sleep apnea include:
– Loud snoring
– Pauses in breathing during sleep, often noticed by a bed partner
– Gasping or choking during sleep
– Excessive daytime sleepiness
– Difficulty staying asleep
– Morning headaches
– Difficulty concentrating or experiencing irritability
– Frequent nocturnal awakenings to urinate (nocturia)
Risk factors for sleep apnea include obesity, advancing age, family history, being male (though women can also develop sleep apnea), having a neck circumference greater than 17 inches in men or 16 inches in women, and certain medical conditions, such as hypertension.
Untreated sleep apnea can have serious health consequences, including an increased risk of cardiovascular problems (hypertension, heart disease, stroke), diabetes, and daytime fatigue that may lead to accidents.
Treatment options for sleep apnea may include:
1. **Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP):** This involves wearing a mask over the nose or mouth during sleep, and a machine delivers a continuous stream of air to keep the airway open.
2. **Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP):** Similar to CPAP, but it adjusts the air pressure levels, providing higher pressure during inhalation and lower pressure during exhalation.
3. **Lifestyle Changes:** Weight loss, positional therapy, avoiding alcohol and sedatives before bedtime, and sleeping on one’s side can be beneficial.
4. **Oral Appliances:** Dental devices that reposition the lower jaw and tongue to keep the airway open.
In some cases, surgery may be recommended to address anatomical issues contributing to sleep apnea. If sleep apnea is suspected, a healthcare professional, often a sleep specialist, can conduct a sleep study (polysomnography) to diagnose the condition and recommend appropriate treatment. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for managing sleep apnea and improving overall health and well-being.
