A medical condition that describes the recurrent and temporary cessation of breathing during sleep. sleep apnea This condition manifests itself as a complete cessation or reduction of airflow through the airways, leading to decreased oxygen levels and disrupted sleep patterns. These are divided into three main types: obstructive, central, and complex. Obstructive is the most common and usually results from a blockage or narrowing of the upper airway.
Structures such as the tongue and soft tissues relax during sleep, obstructing the airway and making breathing difficult. Central sleep occurs when the respiratory control center in the brain fails to regulate breathing during sleep. The brain temporarily stops the respiratory muscles from working. Complex sleep is a combination of obstructive and central sleep, and both occur during sleep.
What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?
This condition can often cause snoring, wheezing, and poor sleep quality. Symptoms include: The most common symptom is snoring. People with this condition snore regularly and loudly during sleep. Sleep apnea People with this condition may experience pauses in breathing during sleep. These pauses in breathing may occur 10 times or more per minute.
This can lead to frequent awakenings during sleep, which can lead to poor sleep quality. These awakenings can occur without the person being aware of them. People often experience headaches and fatigue in the morning. This condition leads to poor sleep quality and frequent awakenings throughout the night, leading to daytime drowsiness and fatigue. Lack of adequate rest during sleep can lead to problems such as difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, and attention deficit.
In individuals, poor sleep quality and a tendency to feel tired can lead to depression, irritability, and restlessness. Individuals may experience sweating and restlessness during sleep. This condition is a serious sleep disorder and can lead to long-term health problems. If you experience one or more of these symptoms, it's important to consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
What are the causative factors?
The causative factors include;
Physiological Factors:
Excess weight or obesity: Excess fat tissue can narrow the upper airway and cause obstruction.
Genetic predisposition: In the family sleep apnea The risk increases in individuals with a history of.
Age: It is more common in middle-aged and older people.
Gender: More common in men than in women.
Size: A large neck size can narrow the airway and contribute to this condition.
Lifestyle and Behavioral Factors:
Alcohol can cause muscles to relax and airways to become blocked.
Smoking can cause inflammation and narrowing of the airways.
Some medications that relax muscles during sleep can trigger this condition.
Lying on your back can cause this condition by blocking the airway.
Irregular bedtimes and inadequate sleep may increase the risk.
Medical Conditions:
This condition is more common in people who are overweight or obese.
Hormonal changes associated with diabetes may influence the development of the condition.
Sleep apnea and high blood pressure can negatively affect each other.
This can trigger heart diseases or worsen the existing condition.
Improper functioning of the thyroid gland may contribute to this condition.
If you suspect you have the condition, it is important to get the correct diagnosis and treatment by consulting a sleep specialist.
What are the Treatment Methods?
If left untreated, it can lead to serious health problems, so it's important to get it treated appropriately. Some of the treatments include:
CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) Treatment: This treatment method uses continuous positive airway pressure (POP) through a mask placed over the patient's nose and/or mouth. This helps keep the airway open and prevents apnea episodes.
BiPAP (Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure) Therapy: Similar to CPAP, airway pressure is maintained using a nasal and/or oral mask. However, BiPAP can provide a more comfortable experience for the patient by providing varying levels of pressure during breathing.
Adaptive Servoventilation (ASV): It helps regulate the respiratory tract by analyzing the breathing pattern.
Oral Devices: Mild or moderate sleep apnea Some patients with sciatica may be prescribed special oral devices (mouthpieces or splints) that help keep the airway open by changing the position of the lower jaw and tongue.
Surgical Interventions: In appropriate cases, surgical options may be considered. Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), genioplasty, and various other procedures may help relieve symptoms.
Lifestyle changes that can help reduce the severity of sleep apnea include losing weight (maintaining a healthy weight), reducing alcohol and tobacco use, and improving sleep posture. It's important to consult with a sleep specialist or otolaryngologist for diagnosis or treatment. Self-diagnosis or treatment can make it difficult to achieve appropriate results and can lead to serious health problems.
