Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that causes frequent pauses in breathing during sleep. Most people with sleep apnea experience symptoms such as loud snoring and daytime sleepiness. The two main types of sleep apnea are obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central sleep apnea (CSA).
In OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea), the airway becomes narrowed during sleep, leading to breathing interruptions. In CSA (Central Sleep Apnea), breathing interruptions are caused by a lack of communication between the brain and the muscles involved in breathing.
Some symptoms of sleep apnea may not be immediately noticeable to the person with the condition.
For example, abnormal breathing and snoring may only be noticed after being observed by a bed partner or caregiver.
- Excessive fatigue during the day
- Poor concentration
- Snoring is loud and often interrupted by gasping or choking sounds
- Waking up with a headache, which sometimes lasts for a long time.
- Waking up with dry mouth or dry throat.
- Feeling irritable or depressed
- Sudden shortness of breath or chest pain at night
The causes of breathing interruptions differ between obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea.。
Causes of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
In people with obstructive sleep apnea, the muscles in the back of the throat relax during sleep, which reduces the space for air to pass through. When the airway is blocked, a person cannot get enough oxygen, and snoring occurs as the airway narrows. The lack of oxygen can cause partial or full awakenings to restore airflow. These breathing interruptions occur repeatedly during sleep.
Causes of Central Sleep Apnea
Central sleep apnea occurs due to a problem with the way the brain communicates with the muscles responsible for breathing. For people with CSA, a part of the brain called the brainstem cannot correctly identify carbon dioxide levels in the body during sleep. This causes repeated episodes of breathing that are slower and more shallow than they should be.
Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) therapy is the treatment provided for nearly all individuals with obstructive sleep apnea. A common PAP therapy is the use of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) devices, which deliver a constant airflow set at the same pressure level. Other types of PAP devices, such as Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) and Automatic Positive Airway Pressure (APAP), can provide varying levels of air pressure. These therapies help prevent the vibrations and snoring sounds caused by airway obstruction.
Another component of sleep apnea treatment involves making lifestyle changes to help manage symptoms. These may include the following suggestions:
Lowering BMI by losing weight
Regular exercise can reduce symptoms of OSA
Change your sleeping position and avoid lying on your back
Reduce alcohol consumption.
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