What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep Apnea can be best described as a sleeping disorder where your breathing stops while you’re asleep. The potential reason behind this condition could be either the blockage of the airway or the brain becoming inconsistent in controlling your breathing. This condition is considered dangerous because irregular breathing creates significant obstructions during sleep, often causing you to wake up in the middle of the night to resume breathing. Such restless sleep exposes an individual to other potential issues. However, before we dig deep into the consequences, let’s explore the sleep apnea symptoms.
Sleep Apnea: Common Symptoms to Consider
Sleep Apnea comes with symptoms that are not limited to nighttime. Even the daytime is affected by this condition. Let’s look at the signs of sleep apnea:
Nighttime Symptoms:
- Loud Snoring: Are you or your partner a loud snorer? If yes, then do not overlook it. Snoring when asleep can be a sign of an obstructed upper airway. Although not all snorers have sleep apnea. Those with sleep apnea will have several episodes throughout the night followed by recurring pauses in snores.
- Repetitive Waking During Night: If you are having restless nights accompanied by waking up, or twisting and turning in bed all night, then these signs are not meant to be ignored. Sleep Apnea will possibly cause restless legs, disturbed breathing, jerking, or waking up.
- Daytime Fatigue and Exhaustion: As sleep apnea causes disturbed sleep patterns during the night, you might wake up tired the next day. Daytime fatigue makes you feel less productive and irritable. Poor sleep quality hinders your immune system and makes you prone to potential diseases like high Blood Pressure, Heart Problems, Diabetes, etc.
- Obesity: Yes, you read that right – Men or Women who have obesity are massively prone to sleep apnea. If you relate to the above-mentioned symptoms, then it is time for you to consult with a medical professional.
Day Time Symptoms:
Some of the key daytime symptoms include:
- Tiredness or Fatigue
- Mood Swings
- Headache
- Trouble Concentrating
For those who have noticed such symptoms, it is recommended that you consult a sleep apnea specialist as soon as possible.
How do you know if you have Sleep Apnea?
Sleep Apnea can be diagnosed with the help of a professional healthcare provider. If you identify with any of the symptoms above, then contact your healthcare expert. If the condition is suspected by the healthcare provider, then you will be asked to undergo a few diagnostic tests.
Sleep Apnea Diagnosis:
To diagnose Sleep Apnea, there are two common tests that a patient is required to undergo. They are as follows:
- Polysomnogram:
This test is performed overnight, where an individual is made to wear sensors that record activities like breathing, heart rate, oxygen levels, brain waves, etc., throughout their sleep.
- Home Sleep Apnea Test:
This is an at-home test that is highly convenient. However, there is a limitation as this test cannot record central brain activity. This test records breathing patterns as you place sensors on your chest and abdomen.
Sleep Apnea: Severity and Curability
To evaluate how severe sleep apnea is, healthcare professionals use the Apnea/Hypopnea Index (AHI). The AHI measures the average of apnea and hypopnea on an hourly basis, and only then, the severity identified. Also, sleep apnea severity is classified into three types:
- Mid Sleep Apnea (5-14 events/hour)
- Moderate Sleep Apnea (15-29 events/hour)
- Severe Sleep Apnea (30 or more events/hour)
Sleep Apnea becomes a concern when the severity is moderate/severe. This condition directly impacts the nervous system and cardiac functioning of an individual’s body. There is a solution and a treatment for these conditions. For those wondering can sleep apnea can be cured, the answer is yes. Some things can help this condition. They are:
- Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine can improve sleeping patterns
- Changing your sleeping position.
- Medications
- Wearing a mouthpiece while sleeping can help ensure uninterrupted airflow.
- Sleep Apnea Surgery.
Sleep Apnea Treatment:
Although Sleep Apnea can be cured by making lifestyle changes, those with severe conditions may require Sleep Apnea Treatment and undergo throat or nasal surgeries.
To Conclude:
Sleep Apnea is a common condition that affects the sleep pattern. It is essential not to overlook the symptoms. So, if your partner or family member shows such symptoms, visit your healthcare provider now.
