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Sleep Apnea: Holding Your Breath

Profiling Sleep Apnea

Apnea is derived from Greek and means to suspend breathing. Holding your breath is one form of Apnea. Choking is another, and Apnea can result from illness or injury. Sleep Apnea is something most people have heard about. It is a Sleep Disorder which can have very serious consequences. Sleep Apnea (apnoea in the UK), is most often diagnosed in men, but women and children are also susceptible.

This sleep disorder is often associated with the elderly, overweight and obese, smokers and former smokers, and people with Type II diabetes. This particular sleeping disorder is becoming more commonly diagnosed as the Western World continues in the grip of two epidemics – obesity and adult-onset (Type II) diabetes. Sleep Apnea may be indicated by loud snoring, night-time restlessness, and drowsiness during the day.

Types of Sleep Apnea

The most common form of Sleep Apnea is described as Obstructive (OSA). Other forms are known as Central, Mixed and Complex.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea occurs when breathing is impeded by a blockage of the airflow. The soft tissues of the airway relax in rest and can become obstructive. Often a sufferer may be seen (and heard) to be snoring, then cease snoring and beathing, then resume with something of a gulp for air.

Impact of OSA

OSA is linked to brain damage affecting memory, perhaps arising from the interrupted supply of oxygen to the brain. Research indicates that OSA sufferers are at increased risk of stroke, elevated blood pressure, diabetes, cardio-vascular issues, and heart attack. People suffering from Sleep Apnea may be accident prone. They are more likely to die earlier than the general population. All of which means that it is very important to get diagnosis of their Sleep Disorder and appropriate treatment.

Treatment of OSA

The position in which you sleep may be conducive to soft-tissue obstruction of the airway, so sleeping on one’s side or stomach may assist. Similarly, sleeping with the torso, neck and head elevated may keep the airway clear. Sleep Apnea patients are often told to lose weight, drink less alcohol (which relaxes muscles), and stop smoking.

In some cases, surgery may be indicated to remove excess soft tissue in the airway or widen the airway itself. Tonsils and/or adenoids may be removed. The nasal passages or the jaws may be operated on.

Less drastically, a dentist may specify the use of a device somewhat like a mouthguard to bring the lower jaw forward thus maintaining the airway.

Commonly, the use of a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine is prescribed to treat OSA. The CPAP machine is adjusted to supply air to the sleeper at sufficient pressure to keep the airway open. The pressure will be set by the supplier of the CPAP machine as advised by the specialist at the sleep center. Another sleep study may be ordered.

Whatever approach is recommended, it is very important, for the reasons given above, that Sleep Apnea should be promptly and effectively treated.

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