Do you also snore in your sleep? Could it be Sleep Apnea?

Have you ever heard someone in your home, perhaps your husband or father, suddenly snore loudly at night, then stop for a while, then start breathing loudly again, as if they are suffocating? Or do you feel tired and sleepy for no reason throughout the day? These could be symptoms of a condition we are talking about today called Sleep Apnea . While many people think that this is just normal snoring , it is a much more serious condition that needs to be treated. Let's talk about this in detail.

Simply put, what is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep Apnea is when your breathing stops for a moment while you are sleeping, then starts again. This can happen several times a night, sometimes hundreds of times. Each time you stop breathing, your brain gets less oxygen. The brain then wakes you up briefly and tells you to breathe again. This prevents you from getting deep sleep . The result is daytime sleepiness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and, if left untreated, can lead to serious health problems like high blood pressure and heart disease .

There are three main types of Sleep Apnea:

Sleep Apnea can be divided into three main types.

1. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): This is the most common type. What happens here is that when we sleep, the soft tissue at the back of our throat relaxes, blocking our airway completely or partially. It's like a water pipe that bends in the middle and stops the water from flowing. This makes it difficult for you to breathe, and you suddenly wake up feeling suffocated.

2. Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): This is a little different. There is no obstruction of the airway. However, the signal from the brain to the chest muscles to breathe is not getting through properly. This means that the brain forgets to “command” you to breathe. This is more common in people with heart disease and nervous system diseases.

3. Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome: This has the characteristics of both of the above types. That is, there may be both a blockage of the airway and a lack of signals from the brain.

Who is at higher risk for this condition?

Although anyone can develop sleep apnea, some people are at higher risk.

• For those with excess body weight (Obesity): Fat around the throat due to obesityIt can build up and make the airways narrow.
• For those with a thick neck: Increased neck circumference is also a risk factor.
• For men: Men are more at risk of developing this condition than women.
• Aging : Throat muscles weaken with age.
• Family history : If someone in your family has sleep apnea, you are more likely to develop it too.
• Smoking and drinking alcohol: These can cause swelling in the airways and worsen the condition.
• Nasal congestion: If you have a frequent nasal congestion (due to allergies), that can also affect you.
• Other medical conditions: People with conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) are at higher risk.

Do you also have these symptoms?

Often, the person you sleep with is the first to notice these signs, rather than you.

Children's symptoms may vary.

If children have sleep apnea, the symptoms are slightly different.

• Attention deficit and hyperactivity at school.
• Learning disabilities.
• Bedwetting.
• Sleeping in an unusual position (e.g., with knees and hands on the floor).
• Loud roaring.

How is this diagnosed?

If you have these symptoms, the first thing you should do is see a doctor . The doctor will ask you about your sleep and your symptoms. It is also very important to get information from the person you sleep with.

Then, they will order a sleep study to confirm the diagnosis. This can be done in two ways.

1. Home Sleep Apnea Test: This involves giving you a small device that you can take home. You wear it while you sleep at night. It records things like your breathing, oxygen levels, and heart rate.

2. Polysomnogram (PSG): This is the most accurate test. It requires you to stay overnight in a hospital or sleep lab. There, sensors are attached to your body to monitor your brain activity, breathing, heart rate, and leg movements.

Based on the results of this test, your sleep apnea will be classified as mild, moderate, or severe .

What are the treatments for Sleep Apnea?

The good news is that Sleep Apnea is a condition that can be managed. Treatment depends on the severity of your condition.

• Weight loss: Losing weight is the most important thing. Even losing a few kilos can make a big difference.
• Exercise: Exercising daily.
• Stop smoking and drinking alcohol.
• Changing your sleeping position: Instead of sleeping on your side, try sleeping on your side.
• Keeping your head elevated: Sleep with your head elevated with several pillows.

In moderate or severe cases, the doctor may recommend using a special device.

• CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine: This is the most common and effective treatment. It is a small machine. You sleep wearing a mask that comes through a tube connected to it. This machine gently and continuously directs air into the airway, keeping it open and not obstructed. It may be a little difficult to get used to at first, but after a while you will come to love it because of the relief it provides.
• Oral Appliances: There are also devices that are made by a dentist and placed in the mouth. These are used to keep the jaw and tongue forward during sleep, keeping the airway open.
• Surgery: Surgery is considered only if no other treatment has been successful. For example, removing excess tissue in the throat or repositioning the jaw.

What happens if left untreated?

If sleep apnea is left untreated, it can cause serious health problems.

• High Blood Pressure
• Heart Attack and Stroke
• Type 2 Diabetes
• Metabolic Syndrome
• Car accidents: The risk of falling asleep while driving and causing accidents is much higher due to daytime sleepiness.
• Mental problems: memory loss, depression.

So if you have any doubts about these symptoms, don't ignore them. Definitely see a doctor and get advice.

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