What Happens to a Person During Sleep Apnea?

Millions struggle with sleep apnea, which involves repeated episodes of stopped or shallow breathing during slumber and is detrimental to health. Understanding what happens to a person during sleep apnea is crucial for recognizing the symptoms and seeking appropriate treatment.

Effects on the Body

During sleep apnea, a person’s breathing repeatedly stops and starts. These interruptions can last from a few seconds to minutes and or more than an hour. Each time this happens, the brain and the rest of the body may not get enough oxygen.

• Brain Function: Lack of oxygen can lead to poor sleep quality, which affects cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and concentration. This can make daily tasks challenging and increase the risk of accidents.
• Cardiovascular System: Sleep apnea puts immense strain on the heart and blood vessels, raising the risk of hypertension, heart attack, stroke, and heart failure.
• Metabolic System: Sleep apnea is linked to metabolic disorders, including diabetes. Interrupted sleep can lead to insulin resistance, making it harder to control blood sugar levels.

Overall, untreated sleep apnea can significantly reduce the quality of life and increase the risk of severe health issues.

Different Types of Sleep Apnea

There are three utmost primary types of sleep apnea, each with different causes and treatments:

• Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): The most familiar or common type that takes place when the throat muscles relax, blocking the airway during sleep. This type is often associated with obesity, as excess weight can raise the chances of airway obstruction.
• Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): Less common or familiar than OSA, CSA happens when the brain fails to send proper signals to breathing muscles. This type is often linked to heart failure, stroke, or other neurological conditions.
• Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome: Also known to people as treatment-emergent central sleep apnea, this condition occurs when someone has both OSA and CSA.

Each type of sleep apnea requires a specific approach for effective management and treatment.

Symptoms

Acknowledging the symptoms of sleep apnea is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment. Common symptoms can be:

• Loud Snoring: One of the most noticeable indications, especially in obstructive sleep apnea.
• Choking or Gasping During Sleep: People who experience sleep apnea often wake up suddenly feeling like they are choking or gasping for air.
• Excessive Daytime Sleepiness: Due to interrupted sleep, individuals may feel extremely tired during the day, leading to difficulty staying awake and alert.
• Morning Headaches: Having frequent headaches in the morning can result from the lack of oxygen during sleep.
• Difficulty Concentrating: Poor sleep quality can have an impact on cognitive functions, making it hard to concentrate on tasks.

If you or someone you know experiences these symptoms, it may be time to seek professional help for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Causes

The causes of sleep apnea differ based on the type. For obstructive sleep apnea, the leading causes include:

• Excess Weight: Extra fat around the throat can block the airway and make it hard to breathe during sleep.
• Narrowed Airway: Some people are born with narrow throats or larger-than-normal tonsils or adenoids; these conditions can block the airway, leading to breathing difficulties while you sleep.
• Age: Sleep apnea is more frequent in older adults.
• Family Background: A family history of sleep apnea increases the risk.

For central sleep apnea, causes are often related to underlying medical conditions such as:

• Heart Disorders: Conditions such as congestive heart failure can cause central sleep apnea (CSA).
• Stroke: Damage to the brain’s respiratory control centers can cause CSA.
• Use of Certain Medications: Opioid medications can affect breathing patterns and lead to CSA.

Understanding the causes can help take preventive measures and seek timely sleep apnea solutions.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing sleep apnea usually involves looking at your medical history, performing a physical exam, and sleep studies. A doctor might ask about symptoms and sleep habits and conduct a physical exam to check for signs of other conditions that could be causing the symptoms.

Polysomnography is the most common type of sleep study. It records brain waves, oxygen levels in your blood, heart rate, breathing patterns, and eye and leg movements while you sleep.

• Home Sleep Apnea Testing: A home sleep test may be sufficient for some people. Although less comprehensive than polysomnography, these tests can still provide valuable information about sleep patterns and breathing.

Getting an accurate diagnosis is the first step towards effective treatment.

Solutions

There are different solutions for sleep apnea based on how severe it is and what type you have. Some common treatments include:

• Lifestyle Changes: For mild cases, weight loss, quitting smoking, and avoiding alcohol and sedatives can reduce symptoms.
• Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): This machine is the most frequently used treatment for moderate to severe sleep apnea. Delivers constant air pressure to keep the airways open during sleep.
• Dental Devices: Mouthguards, particularly for those with obstructive sleep apnea, can help keep the airway open. Danbury Smiles—George Landress, DDS, MAGD—offers personalized dental devices as part of its sleep apnea treatment.
• Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove tissue, shrink tissues, or reposition structures in the upper airway.

Consulting with a healthcare provider to get the most appropriate treatment plan is essential.

Impact on Daily Life

Sleep apnea can significantly affect daily life and overall well-being. Some of the impacts include:

• Daytime Fatigue: Persistent tiredness can affect performance at work or school and raise the chance of getting into accidents.
• Mood Changes: Sleep apnea can be the cause of irritability, depression, and anxiety.
• Relationships: Loud snoring and frequent awakenings can disturb partners and strain relationships.

Addressing sleep apnea with appropriate solutions can vastly improve quality of life.

Seeking Professional Help

If you suspect you have sleep apnea, it’s crucial to seek professional help. Spotting and treating sleep apnea early can help avoid complexities and enhance your quality of life. Consult healthcare providers specializing in sleep disorders for a comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plan.

Conclusion

Sleep apnea is a severe condition, but it can be managed. Knowing what happens during sleep apnea, identifying the symptoms, and learning about the treatments can help you manage your health better. If you think you or someone you care about has sleep apnea, get professional advice and explore treatment options to improve sleep and overall well-being.

For those in Danbury, CT, solutions are available at various specialized clinics, including Danbury Smiles—George Landress, DDS, and MAGD. These professionals can offer expert advice and treatment options to manage your condition effectively.