Do you often wake up feeling tired or with a headache? It could be that something unusual is happening during your sleep: obstructive sleep apnea (pronounced app-nee-uh). What exactly is obstructive sleep apnea?
The Greek word “apnea” means “without breath.” An apnea is defined as a pause in breathing for at least 10 seconds. Obstructive sleep apnea, also known as OSA, causes you to stop breathing during your sleep several times an hour. People diagnosed with OSA have at least five such pauses per hour and can experience many more. During these periods of no breathing, essential organs like the brain, heart, kidneys do not receive enough oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the body build up.
When the brain detects low oxygen levels and increased CO2, it sends a signal to wake you up briefly so that your airway can reopen. This cycle repeats multiple times during the night, leading to fragmented sleep and excessive daytime drowsiness. Despite these disruptions, many people with OSA remain unaware of their condition.
Several factors contribute to obstructive sleep apnea:
- Narrowed airways: Anatomical issues such as a small jaw or enlarged tonsils can make the airway more susceptible to collapse during sleep.
- Muscle relaxation: As we age, the muscles around our throat become weaker and less able to keep our airways open.
- Obesity: Excess weight places additional pressure on the neck and throat area, making it harder for them to remain fully dilated while asleep.
Treatment options for obstructive sleep apnea include:
- Central Sleep Apnea (CSA) Devices: These are used if your breathing pauses happen during deep sleep rather than being caused by an obstruction.
- Mouthpieces and Tongue Stabilizing Appliances
- Weight loss, which is especially effective for obese individuals with OSA.
If you suspect that you or someone close to you may have obstructive sleep apnea, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional. They can provide an accurate diagnosis through tests such as polysomnography and recommend appropriate treatment options based on your specific condition and circumstances.
