Sleep apnea
Find a doctorSleep apnea is a common but serious sleep disorder that affects millions of people. Sleep apnea interrupts your breathing during sleep, leading to fragmented rest and significant health issues. The most common form, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), occurs when throat muscles relax excessively, blocking the airway.
Aurora Sleep Medicine Centers offer the latest treatments and diagnostic tests for sleep apnea, including obstructive sleep apnea. Our comprehensive care team will treat your sleep apnea so you can get a restful night’s sleep.
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where your breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. These interruptions in breathing can last from a few seconds to minutes and can occur 30 times or more an hour.
What are the types of sleep apnea?
There are three main types of sleep apnea:
- Obstructive sleep apnea: The most common form, caused by a blockage in the upper airway, usually when the soft tissue in the back of the throat collapses during sleep. It is associated with loud snoring or problems sleeping.
- Central sleep apnea: Occurs when the brain fails to send the proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. This type is often linked to serious illnesses, such as heart disease and stroke.
- Complex sleep apnea syndrome: Also known as treatment-emergent central sleep apnea, this is a combination of obstructive and central sleep apnea. It often emerges when someone being treated for OSA with a continuous positive airway pressure CPAP machine develops central sleep apnea symptoms.
Can sleep apnea go away?
In some cases, lifestyle changes such as weight loss, quitting smoking and altering sleep positions can reduce or even eliminate sleep apnea symptoms. For instance, sleeping on your side instead of your back can help prevent the collapse of your airway. However, many people require ongoing treatment to manage the condition effectively.
What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?
Symptoms of sleep apnea can vary but often include:
- Loud snoring, which is more prominent in obstructive sleep apnea
- Episodes of stopped breathing during sleep, often noticed by another person
- Gasping for air during sleep
- Awakening with a dry mouth or sore throat
- Morning headaches
- Difficulty staying asleep (insomnia)
- Excessive daytime sleepiness (hypersomnia)
- Difficulty concentrating or memory problems
- Mood changes, such as irritability or depression
Daytime sleepiness and fatigue are particularly concerning as they can lead to decreased productivity, increased risk of accidents and impaired quality of life.
What causes sleep apnea?
Several factors can contribute to the development of sleep apnea, including obesity, having a thicker neck and chronic nasal congestion. The use of alcohol, sedatives or tranquilizers can also contribute to sleep apnea.
Men, or those assigned male at birth, are more prone to have sleep apnea than women. Age can also be a factor, as sleep apnea occurs more often in people over 50.
How is sleep apnea diagnosed?
Sleep apnea is typically diagnosed through a sleep study, also known as polysomnography. This test records various body functions during sleep, such as brain activity, eye movement, heart rate, and breathing patterns.
Sleep studies for sleep apnea
A sleep study involves staying overnight at an Aurora Sleep Medicine Center, where specialists monitor your sleep. Alternatively, a home sleep apnea test can be done using a portable device. Both methods provide valuable information about your sleep patterns and help diagnose sleep apnea.
During a polysomnography at an Aurora Sleep Medicine Center, you'll be hooked up to equipment that monitors your heart, lung and brain activity. The test will also record your beathing patterns; arm and leg movements and blood oxygen levels while you sleep.
Home sleep apnea tests are simplified versions of polysomnography that you can do at home. These tests usually measure heart rate, blood oxygen level, airflow and breathing patterns.
Sleep apnea treatment
Treatment for sleep apnea often includes the use of a CPAP machine, which keeps your airway open by providing a steady stream of air through a mask. Other treatments include:
- Oral appliances: These devices are designed to keep your throat open. Some are designed to open your throat by bringing your jaw forward, which can sometimes relieve snoring and mild obstructive sleep apnea.
- Surgery: Surgical options might be necessary for some patients. These can include removing tissues, jaw repositioning, implants, nerve stimulation and creating a new air passageway (tracheostomy).
- Positive airway pressure devices: Besides CPAP, other devices like BiPAP (bi-level positive airway pressure) might be used. BiPAP delivers more pressure when you breathe in and less when you breathe out.
- Treatment for underlying conditions: Addressing issues like nasal congestion can also help alleviate symptoms.
What happens if you don't treat sleep apnea?
Untreated sleep apnea may be life threatening. It can also lead to serious health complications if left untreated, including:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Type 2 diabetes
- Metabolic syndrome
- Complications with medications and surgery
- Liver disease
Managing sleep apnea is crucial for maintaining your overall health and well-being. At Aurora Health Care, we offer comprehensive sleep apnea treatments tailored to your specific needs.
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