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Jun 21, 2006
Sleep apnea
by SirGan
 Although not too many people know much about it- sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder characterized by brief interruptions of breathing during sleep. Important thing to know is that person will not suffocate during these episodes, as many could thing, because they last 10 seconds or more although they could occur repeatedly throughout the night. The fact is that people with sleep apnea partially awaken as they struggle to breathe, but in the morning they may not be aware of the disturbances. Symptoms of sleep apneaThe fact is that, because the person usually can't remember the nighttime problems- most of the predominant symptoms are usually associated with excessive daytime sleepiness. Of course, due to poor sleep during the night. Most common symptoms are:
Additional symptoms that may but not necessarily be associated with this disease:
Types of sleep apneaSleep apnea occurs in two main types:
This is the most common form that occurs when throat muscles relax,
This condition occurs when brain doesn't send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing.
Some researches have proven that few people have complex sleep apnea, which is a combination of both obstructive and central sleep apneas.
Causes of sleep apnea
There were several researches that tried to explain the exact mechanism of this condition and it is proven now that obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the muscles in the back of throat relax. These muscles normally support the soft palate, tonsils and tongue. Therefore, it is logical to assume that when these muscles relax, airway narrows or closes as s person breaths in, and breathing momentarily cuts off. So how come the person can't suffocate? That’s because this stopping with breathing may lower the level of oxygen in blood. Of course, in this moment, brain senses this inability to breath and briefly rouses a person from sleep so that he or she can reopen airway.
Several researches have proven that this pattern can repeat itself 20 to 30 times or more each hour, all night long. The consequences are clear- these disruptions impair a person’s ability to reach those desired deep, restful phases of sleep, and he or she will probably feel sleepy during normal waking hours.
It is proven that central sleep apnea occurs when brain fails to transmit signals to breathing muscles. That’s why it is called central- because the problem is in person’s brain! Some researches have came to the conclusion that very common cause of central sleep apnea is heart disease.
Risk factors for developing sleep apnea
Diagnosis of sleep apnea
The fact is that almost everybody who has obstructive sleep apnea is a snorer, so these pauses in breathing during sleep are commonly noticed by a bed partner. Patient also wakes in the morning feeling unrefreshed no matter how much he slept during the night.
Great majority of the patients also report excessive daytime sleepiness which is very common in sleep apnea. Other characteristic symptoms include hypertension, depression, trouble concentrating, and nocturnal awakenings.
Polysomnography is definitely the most accurate diagnostic tool for sleep apnea today! What should be known about this test? Well, it is usually done overnight in specialized sleep laboratories. Sleep recording systems are being installed which can perform polysomnography in the patient's home or hospital bed. This test monitors heart, lung and brain activity, breathing patterns, arm and leg movements, and blood oxygen levels while a patient is in sleep.
This is also a very modern technique which involves a small machine that monitors and records patient’s oxygen level while he or she is asleep. How is being done? Well, a small and simple sleeve fits painlessly over one of patient’s fingers to collect the information overnight at home.
Sometimes doctor may provide a patient with simplified tests to be used at home to diagnose sleep apnea. These tests usually involve oximetry, measurement of airflow and measurement of breathing patterns.
Complications of sleep apnea
Several researches done in the past have proven that these sudden drops in blood oxygen levels that occur during sleep apnea can easily increase blood pressure and put an extra pressure on the cardiovascular system. Studies have shown that most of the patients have hypertension. In contrast to obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea usually is the result of heart disease. There is no doubt - obstructive sleep apnea greatly increases the risk of stroke.
It is reasonable to assume that those repeated awakenings associated with sleep apnea make normal, restorative sleep literally impossible. That’s why these people often experience severe daytime drowsiness, fatigue and irritability. When we are talking about children patients –they apnea may do poorly in school or have behavior problems.
Obstructive sleep apnea also is a concern with certain medications and general anesthesia. People with sleep apnea may be more likely to experience complications following major surgery because they're prone to breathing problems, especially when sedated and lying on their backs. Before you have surgery, tell your doctor that you have sleep apnea. Undiagnosed sleep apnea is especially risky in this situation.
This sleep disorder can make a life a living hell for the patient’s bed partner! Loud snoring can even disrupt patient’s relationships.
People with obstructive and central sleep apneas may also develop several other problems such as: memory problems, morning headaches, mood swings or feelings of depression, a need to urinate frequently at night, impotence and gastro-esophageal reflux disease.
Treatment of sleep apneaMild sleep apnea is usually treated by some behavioral changes. Losing weight, sleeping on your side are often recommended.
Continuous positive airway pressure is one very good therapeutic machine that delivers air pressure through a mask placed over patient’s nose while asleep. Although this is very effective method of treating sleep apnea, some people find it cumbersome or uncomfortable.
There is also one another option- wearing an oral appliance designed to keep throat open is very good method
Important thing to know is that the goal of surgery for sleep apnea is to remove excess tissue from nose or throat that may be vibrating and causing a patient to snore. This parts of tissue can also blocking upper air passages and causing sleep apnea. Surgical options may include:
Patients should know that this is one very effective procedure, in which doctor removes tissue from the mouth and top of throat. Patient’s tonsils and adenoids usually are removed as well.
In this procedure, the upper and lower part of patient’s jaw is moved forward. Why it is all being done? Well, it is simple- this enlarges the space behind the tongue and soft palate, making obstruction less likely.
A tracheostomy is a surgical procedure where a small hole is cut in the neck and a tube with a valve is inserted into the hole. During the day the valve is closed so the person can speak.
Sometimes the nasal passages are a site of obstruction. It can be from a deviated septum, large nasal bones or a collapse of the nostril area, called the nasal valve. The Radiofrequency procedure can effectively reduce the size of the turbinates.
Self-care tips
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