Sleep apnea is a disorder that causes you to stop breathing several, up to hundreds of times per night.  These spells can last just moments but the constant cessation of breathing can lower your oxygen levels.  If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to greater issues such as high blood pressure, cardiac disease, and even death.

Risk Factors for Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common form of the disorder.  While this disorder is far more common in adults, it is not unheard of for children to suffer from this form of sleep apnea as well.  Obstructive sleep apnea means that your airway is obstructed which causes your breathing to stop periodically throughout the night.  It is more common for men to suffer from the disorder than women.  Being overweight tends to increase the likelihood that you may suffer from sleep apnea, especially if your neck circumference is more than 17 inches for men and 16 inches for women.  The extra soft tissue at the back of the throat can collapse which can lead to your sleep apnea.  Sleep apnea can also be a result of large tonsils or an unusually narrow airway.

Diagnosing Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is often noticed by symptoms that reveal themselves during the day.  Most people aren’t aware that they suffer from sleep apnea unless they exhibit these symptoms to a point that they ask their doctor about them.  In many cases it is actually the partner that notices if you are suffering from sleep apnea by observing your breathing and snoring habits while you’re asleep.  However, you may be suffering from sleep apnea if you find yourself waking frequently in the middle of the night, especially if you wake with a start or feel as though you are unable to breathe.  Daytime symptoms of sleep apnea include excessive drowsiness, problems with concentration or memory, slower reflexes, headaches, and anything else that is common when your sleep is disrupted several times per night.

If you or your partner suspects you might have sleep apnea then you should consult your doctor sooner than later.  Chances are, your doctor will want you to undergo a sleep study.  During this study you will be hooked up to sensors that will monitor your breathing and your oxygen levels.  You will be observed as you sleep and these nodes will relay the data they collect to a computer.  After your doctor has had a chance to review the information they will be able to make a diagnosis and you can work together to formulate the best treatment plan.

Treating Sleep Apnea

The most effective way to treat sleep apnea is with a continuous positive airway pressure machine, also known as a CPAP.  This machine is connected to a mask that you would wear over your nose while you sleep.  The CPAP gently creates pressure through your airway that is just enough to help keep your airway open to prevent the sleep apnea spells.  While this method of treatment has proven to be the most effective, you can see how wearing a mask all night may not be someone’s first choice for a solution.  If a CPAP is not working for your specific situation then your doctor may recommend another type of positive airway pressure.  There are several other options that your doctor will be able to discuss with you that all have their own benefits.

Another option for treating sleep apnea is simply to use an oral device.  Some patients feel that an oral appliance is easier and more comfortable to use than any of the positive airway pressure devices.  Typically these are designed to help keep your airway open by repositioning your jaw to help relieve snoring and a minor obstruction.  There are also several variations of oral appliances that are made specifically for treating sleep apnea.  Depending on the cause of your obstructive sleep apnea and what is most comfortable for you, you and your doctor can work together to find something that meets your needs.

Surgery for Sleep Apnea

In extreme cases of sleep apnea, your doctor may suggest surgery to help resolve the cause of your blocked airway.  There are different surgical options available depending on the specific cause for your obstructive sleep apnea.  Your doctor may recommend tissue removal where soft tissue will be removed from the rear of your mouth and throat, usually including the tonsils and adenoids.  This helps create a larger airway while reducing the blockage that is occurring.  However, this solution is typically less effective than using a CPAP.

You doctor may also recommend that your jaw is repositioned.  By moving the jaw forward, your airway is enlarged so the chance of obstruction is lessened.  If the problem is in your nose or nasal cavity then your doctor may perform surgery to correct a deviated septum or remove polyps.

Lifestyle Changes for Sleep Apnea

Depending on the cause of your obstructive sleep apnea and the treatment plan that you and your doctor work out together, you may also be advised to make select lifestyle changes.  These lifestyle changes are proven to help reduce obstructive sleep apnea, and in some cases eliminate it completely.  The best lifestyle change you can make for treating the disorder if you are overweight is to lose the excess weight.  Your doctor may recommend exercise and diet to help you shed the pounds.  Even a slight weight decrease has been shown to improve symptoms.

It is also important to avoid alcohol and any type of sedative prior to bed time.  Alcohol and medications such as sleeping pills can relax the muscles in the back of the throat which can lead to an obstructed airway.  Changing your sleeping position can also help reduce your sleep apnea spells.  By sleeping on your side or your stomach your airway doesn’t have as difficult of a time to stay open.  If you naturally sleep on your back you may consider sewing a tennis ball into the back of your pajamas.  This way, when you roll onto your back in the night it will be uncomfortable and serve as  a reminder that you should be sleeping on your side or stomach.

Your doctor may recommend that you use a saline spray prior to bed time to help ensure that your nasal passages are open.  If you are currently a smoker then your doctor may suggest you quit smoking.  Smoking has been proven to worsen obstructive sleep apnea.

While there are many treatment options for sleep apnea it is important that you don’t try to treat yourself without seeing your doctor.  When you or your partner first notice symptoms of sleep apnea you should reach out to your doctor and schedule an appointment right away.  By speaking with a doctor about your concerns they can pinpoint the exact cause of your obstructive sleep apnea and help you find the treatment option that is going to be the best for your specific scenario.  If left untreated then you are exposing yourself to more serious and potentially life threatening conditions.

If you have any questions about obstructive sleep apnea or would like a consultation, please call Dr. Levy of Hilliard Ohio today.