What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep Apnea is a common sleep disorder in which a person snores loudly during sleep and repeatedly pauses for much longer than normal between breaths. These long pauses between breaths are called apnea. Because apnea usually causes a slight awakening, having this disorder robs a person of deep, continuous and refreshing sleep.

What are the symptoms of Sleep Apnea?

The symptoms of sleep apnea include loud snoring with pauses or snorts between snores. A person who has sleep apnea often experiences powerful daytime sleepiness that can be dangerous if it makes a person doze off while driving or doing anything else that requires alertness. Other symptoms include restlessness or movement during sleep, choking or gagging during sleep, heartburn, increased urination during the night, sweating, morning headaches, poor concentration, poor memory, irritability and depression.

What causes Sleep Apnea?

Snoring is caused by vibration of soft tissue in the nose and/or upper airway. It is common and increases as a part of normal aging. Snoring is a common symptom of head colds and allergies, but can also be caused by blockages in the windpipe due to large tonsils, excess tissue in the throat, a deviated septum, or muscle weakness in the airway that causes the airway to collapse when you breathe in. Alcohol and some medicines can also increase snoring. Often people snore louder while sleeping on their backs.

In sleep apnea, the pause between snores is caused by closing up of the windpipe so that little or no air can flow through. The snorts or gasps are caused by the re-opening of the throat and the rush of air flowing through the newly opened windpipe.

What happens to people who have Sleep Apnea?

Because the snoring in sleep apnea is so loud, it makes it difficult for a bed partner to sleep in the same room as the person who snores. The interruptions of sleep can cause powerful and dangerous sleepiness during the day-this is often the main reason a person seeks help for this condition. Some people find themselves repeatedly falling asleep at work or while driving a car. Some studies have shown that this loud snoring may also be a risk factor for heart disease, including high blood pressure and stroke.

What is the treatment for Sleep Apnea?

The main treatment for sleep apnea is a machine called a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure). Nasal CPAP consists of a small mask that is put over the nose and attached by tubing to a machine that pumps air. It is the positive air pressure of CPAP that acts as a physical "pressure" splint to keep the upper airway and windpipe open during sleep. While some people may initially find using nasal CPAP a challenge, they quickly adapt because of the good effects on their sleep. It is not uncommon for people with sleep apnea to wake up after one night of using CPAP feeling refreshed and revitalized in a way they havent experienced for many years.

Other treatments for sleep apnea include weight loss, learning to sleep in a different position that allows the windpipe to remain open, surgery, dental devices and medications.