Sleep Apnea - What is it?

Sleep apnea is a condition that occurs in sleep and is characterized by repetitive episodes of obstruction to air flow into the lungs. The level of obstruction is usually at the level of the soft palate, however the obstruction can be at different levels in the throat.

The oropharynx is the principle site of obstruction in the upper airway, in people with obstruction sleep apnea syndrome. The soft palate can be enlarged, thickened, and elongated. The uvula can be swollen. The base of the tongue can protrude backwards and block the airway. The posterior pharyngeal lining can go into folds of redundant tissue. The pillars of fauces may be prominent and close to the midline. The tonsils can also be enlarged causing obstruction to airflow. Read about the different types of sleep apnea

Signs and symptoms of sleep apnea

Loud snoring
Dry mouth in the morning
Unrefreshing sleep and morning grogginess
Headaches on awakening
Night sweats
Indigestion during the night
Problems with memory and concentration
Increased urination at night
Daytime sleepiness
Irritabilty and/or fatigue during the day
Depression
Decreased libido

People with sleep apnea may stop breathing throughout the night which can severely disturb sleep. The brain has to continually wake the individual to resume the normal breathing pattern and therefore the normal sleep cycle is inhibited. People with sleep apnea are typically more fatigued and tired throughout the day than most people.

Sleep apnea - What happens?

A person with sleep apnea drifts off to sleep and during the night, the tongue, excess throat tissue, or relaxed throat muscles block the airway during sleep. Breathing stops or is reduced for least 10 seconds. The body struggles for air, and the oxygen level in the blood drops. The brain must then wake the individual to resume normal breathing for four or five breaths until the oxygen levels rise. The individual then falls back to sleep and the process can repeat itself many times throughout the night. It is clear that someone suffering from sleep apnea in Austin should consider seeing a sleep doctor.

Sleep apnea health risks include

High blood pressure
Heart attack
Congestive heart failure
Strokes

How is Sleep Apnea diagnosed?

A sleep study must be conducted by a certified sleep doctor. During the study, various bodily parameters are monitored including brain waves, eye movements, oxygen levels, heart rate, and breathing patterns. This data is then interpreted by the physician to make the diagnosis. The study is painless and all you have to do is get comfortable and sleep!

What sleep apnea treatments are available?

Nasal CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure)
Nasal CPAP is a device that can be placed in your home to treat obstructive sleep apnea. The CPAP device works during sleep by gently blowing air from a machine into a mask applied over the person's nose. The air pressure keeps the airway open, thus eliminating the apnea and frequent awakenings. Nasal CPAP is the most reliable treatment method for sleep apnea.
Weight Loss
Even a small weight loss may make a difference in obstructive sleep apnea. Curing severe sleep apnea usually requires weight loss. Some doctors think that patients lose weight more easily and naturally if their sleep apnea is treated first, but being healthy often results in improved sleep. Weight loss can also decrease the level of nasal CPAP pressure needed for treatment.
Positioning
Sleeping in a fetal position may reduce the severity of sleep apnea. It can be difficult to change the way you sleep, but learning to use pillows to position yourself comfortably on your side can help prevent sleep apnea.
Dental appliances
Some appliances are used to help keep the tongue and lower jaw from falling backwards during sleep. They are most effective for people with mild to moderate sleep apnea. They produce approximately a 50% improvement in the severity of apnea. These devices are fitted by dentists who specialize in the management of sleep apnea.
Surgery
Surgery is an option for treatment. Surgeries focus on the soft palate, tongue, nose or jaw. They are all done in an effort to widen the breathing passage. Surgeries vary in effectiveness depending on the severity of apnea and location of airway obstruction. These procedures are done by ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) Physicians and Oral Surgeons.