In Greek, the word "apnea" means "without breath." People with obstructive sleep apnea are usually unaware that they periodically stop breathing for 10 seconds or longer while they sleep. People with mild obstructive sleep apnea have five to 15 episodes of apnea per hour. Those with moderate apnea average 15 to 30 episodes of apnea every hour. Individuals who suffer from severe apnea have more than 30 interrupted periods of breathing per hour.
Common Causes of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Episodes of obstructive apnea occur when the soft palatal tissue and muscles of the upper airway collapse during sleep. This blockage causes shallow breathing or a complete disruption of breathing. The air that squeezes past the blockage often causes snoring.
Obesity can cause or worsen the upper airway blockage that causes obstructive sleep apnea. The additional fat tissue thickens the wall of the windpipe, often causing the opening to narrow. A large tongue or large tonsils can also cause or worsen sleep apnea by obstructing the opening of the windpipe. Additionally, some people naturally have smaller airways that obstruct breathing while they sleep.
Signs and Symptoms of Breathing-Related Sleep Disorder
Since the signs of obstructive sleep apnea go unnoticed to those who suffer from it, their sleep partners can inform them of signs they notice, including loud snoring and disrupted breathing followed by gasping or choking. Individuals with undiagnosed and untreated sleep apnea may notice:
- morning headaches
- a dry or sore throat upon waking
- fatigue
- difficulty concentrating
- memory problems
- depression
Health Risks Associated with Sleep Apnea
The disrupted sleep and the strain sleep apnea puts on the body can put sufferers at risk of other potentially life-threatening health risks. For example, people with sleep apnea are two to three times more likely to be involved in auto accidents. Other health risks include:
- irregular heartbeat
- low oxygen levels
- high blood pressure
- heart disease
- stroke
- diabetes
- electrolyte dysfunction
- an increased chance of having a work-related accident
Who Is at Risk of Developing Sleep Apnea?
Men, women, and children can have sleep apnea, although it is more common among adult males and the chances of developing sleep apnea increase with age. Four percent of middle-aged men and two percent of middle-aged women have sleep apnea. More than 10 percent of people over the age of 65 have sleep apnea. More than half of those with obstructive sleep apnea are overweight. Alcohol abuse increases one's chances of developing sleep apnea. A family history of sleep apnea also indicates that one has a higher risk of developing the disorder.
Diagnosing Sleep Apnea
Often, the first instrument used to determine the likelihood of sleep apnea is a finger-pulse oximeter (FPO), which is a screening done at home. If the results of the FPO conclude a sleep abnormality, a more extensive polysomnogram (PSG) is usually performed overnight at a sleep lab. This painless procedure includes attaching sensors to the patient's scalp, face, chest, limbs, and finger. This sleep test records brain activity, eye movement, breathing, heart rate, airflow through the lungs, and blood oxygen levels.
Treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
The most common treatment for obstructive sleep apnea includes sleeping with a machine commonly referred to as a CPAP, which stands for continuous positive airway pressure. The CPAP machine uses a mask that allows the machine to blow air into the throat, preventing airways from becoming narrowed or blocked during sleep.
Surgery is a less common treatment procedure for sleep apnea. The surgery is performed to widen breathing passages by removing, shrinking, or stiffening excess tissue in the mouth and throat. Sometimes, the lower jaw is reset. A tonsillectomy is sometimes helpful for children who suffer from sleep apnea.
Doctors may also recommend lifestyle changes to decrease symptoms of sleep apnea or improve the quality of sleep, including a weight loss plans, decreasing or eliminating alcohol, or a more consistent sleep schedule.
Sources:
American Psychiatric Association. (2000). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (4th ed., text revision). Arlington, VA: Author.
American Sleep Apnea Association. (2008). Sleep apnea information. Washington, DC: Author.
Maxmen, J. S., & Ward, N. G. (1995). Essential psychopathology and its treatment (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Norton & Company.
National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. (2009). Sleep apnea. Bethesda, MD: Author.
Lorne Cansler - Lorne Cansler is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 11 years of experience in the field of mental health. He has provided ...
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