Sleep apnea is much more than loud snoring or troubled nights. It is a severe sleeping disorder whereby breathing in and out is repeatedly interrupted during a sleep cycle, leaving the body unable to reach normal restful sleep phases. Many patients with sleep apnea benefit from using a cpap machine, which helps maintain steady airflow and improves sleep quality.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a condition that is caused when breathing is interrupted several times during sleep. There are two major types:
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): It is the most widespread type which is caused by the obstruction of the airway partly or completely in the course of sleep. This occurs when the muscles of the throat are too relaxed making the airway narrow.
Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): This is even less prevalent, and it happens when vital signals do not reach the muscles controlling breathing.
Loud snoring, choking or gasping during sleep, excessive fatigue during the day, headaches in the morning, lack of focus, mood swings, irritation, or depression are common signs and symptoms. Since most of the symptoms happen during the night, bed partners usually get to identify them first.
Who Is at Risk for Sleep Apnea?
People of any age can be affected by sleep apnea, although some things predispose them. The increased body mass index (BMI) and increased neck size may also constrict the airway and lead to obstruction. Men have a higher risk of developing sleep apnea, but post-menopausal women are at high risk without hormone therapy as well. Risk is more likely to rise with ageing, there is a possibility of a role of genetics and lifestyle changes such as alcohol use, smoking and sleeping pills may exacerbate the symptoms. The condition of sleep apnea can occur even in people of normal weight because of the anatomy of the airway or the difference in muscle tone.
The Health Cost of Sleep Apnea Not Treated.
Sleep apnea is not only something that interferes with sleep but also puts the body under constant physiological pressure which may result in serious and even life-threatening conditions.
Cardiovascular Strain
Every breathing pause lowers the oxygen concentration and activates the release of stress hormones. In the long run, this puts an excessive burden on the heart, which causes the likelihood of high blood pressure, irregular heart rhythms, heart attack, and stroke. Research indicates that untreated sleep apnea in men has a high probability of having a stroke compared to those who do not.
Metabolic Disorders
Sleep apnea disrupts the metabolic processes of glucose which leads to insulin resistance and predisposition to type 2 diabetes. The sleeping disorder also encourages weight gain by altering hormones to stimulate appetite and fat buildup.
Daytime Impairment
The sustained drowsiness in the day may affect concentration, memory and mood. This usually results in low working performance, irritation and depression. Lack of sleep during the afternoon also increases the likelihood of a car or work accident considerably, and sleep-deprived drivers are particularly prone to accidents.
Other Chronic Conditions
Sleep apnea has been associated with gastroesophageal reflux, chronic pain disorders and poor mental health. Continuing oscillations of oxygen and disturbed sleep may deteriorate the symptoms of such conditions.
Increased Mortality Risk
What is most terrifying perhaps is the fact that untreated sleep apnea is linked to a significantly increased rate of early death because of its chain effects on cardiovascular and metabolic well-being.
