What Is Sleep Apnea and How Is It Treated?

An estimated 30 million Americans have sleep apnea but only 6 million have been diagnosed. This is a condition where your breathing stops throughout the night and then restarts, potentially waking you up and preventing you from getting a good night's sleep. Some undiagnosed patients simply feel like they didn't get a good night's sleep because they don't realize that their breathing is stopping periodically.

Diagnosing sleep apnea early on can help you get the treatment you need. Make sure you only get information on your sleep apnea from trusted doctors and other reputable sources. Detailed, well-researched information can help you take control of your apnea.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea occurs when your body is unable to breathe or simply forgets to breathe while you’re sleeping. Some patients stop breathing for only a few minutes before they restart or wake up.

If you or someone you know severely snores or gasps in their sleep, they could potentially have sleep apnea.

Types of Sleep Apnea

Two common types of apnea can affect how you sleep. Your doctor will diagnose the type of sleep apnea you have so they can develop an effective treatment plan.

• Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when your upper airway is blocked. This could be caused by large tonsils, obesity, or even excess muscle on your chest from bodybuilding.
• Central sleep apnea occurs when your brain stops telling your body to breathe. It could cause your muscles to relax and limit airflow.

The Mayo Clinic also identifies a third type called treatment-emergent central sleep apnea. This occurs when someone is diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea and then develops central sleep apnea during treatment.

Early Signs of Sleep Apnea

Dr. Jonathan Jun, a pulmonary and sleep medicine specialist at the Johns Hopkins Sleep Disorders Center, says partners are usually the first people to notice the symptoms of sleep apnea. Your significant other might complain that you are snoring in bed or could become concerned when your breathing stops altogether.

While snoring can be a warning sign of sleep apnea, it can be a natural part of sleeping as well. Some early signs of sleep apnea include fatigue and mood swings. Even if the apnea doesn't wake you up, you aren't getting the high-quality sleep you need. If you experience excessive grogginess in the morning or brain fog throughout the day, you may need to evaluate your sleep habits.

Other Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

There are multiple symptoms of apnea and you can evaluate your sleep habits to see if you experience any of these warning signs and conditions. They include:

• Waking up with a dry mouth;
• Developing an unexplained sore throat;
• Waking up in the middle of the night feeling like you are choking;
• Waking up with a headache without a noticeable cause.

Even small changes to sleep habits can have a big difference in how you feel. The goal of diagnosing and treating your apnea is to maximize the amount of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, which is when most dreams occur. While most adults need between seven and nine hours of sleep each night, it's also important the sleep is high-quality and rejuvenating.

What Causes Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is more likely to develop as you get older. At first, it is more common in men than in women; however, women over the age of 50 are equally likely to be diagnosed with this condition. Here are a few common causes of sleep apnea:

• Obesity: Excess weight on your chest can put pressure on your airways and make it harder to breathe.
• Excessive muscle: Bodybuilders and powerlifters have a higher risk of sleep apnea because of the muscle development around their necks and chests.
• Age: People may develop sleep apnea as they get older because their bodies and brains are changing.
• Heart conditions: If you have atrial fibrillation or a similar heart condition, you may be at risk of developing sleep apnea.

Some people also develop sleep apnea when they live at high altitudes. Symptoms can worsen when you travel to high-altitude areas.

Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea

If your doctor diagnoses you with sleep apnea, they will develop a plan to make sure you are getting the quality sleep you need. Their recommendations will likely include multiple treatments that support your health in various ways. Here are a few potential treatments they might recommend.

• Losing weight: Your doctor may recommend weight loss as a way to remove pressure from your chest.
• Changing sleep positions: Apnea is more likely to occur if you sleep on your back. Your doctor may recommend side sleeping or supportive pillows.
• Medication changes: If your apnea is newly developed because of another condition or new medication, they might switch your current prescriptions.

For long-term treatment, your doctor might recommend using a continuous positive air pressure (CPAP) machine. These devices use a motor to push pressurized air through your airways. These machines can help people breathe and give them peace of mind that they won't wake up gasping in the middle of the night.

Can Sleep Apnea Kill You?

Sleep apnea can be deadly if your body doesn't remember to breathe. While it is highly likely that you will wake up, some doctors have tied untreated sleep apnea to unexpected deaths. When Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia passed away in 2016, the sheriff’s report noted that he had a CPAP machine but it wasn’t plugged in. This led to theories that Scalia died because his apnea prevented him from breathing.

Sleep apnea is not usually deadly, but it can have severe long-term effects. Poor sleep quality can prevent your body and mind from performing at its best. Not only will you feel fatigued and sluggish throughout the day, but you also have an increased risk of conditions like diabetes, depression, heart attack, and stroke.

Other Causes of Snoring

Just because you snore doesn't mean that you have sleep apnea. There are multiple causes of snoring, including:

• Sleep position;
• Alcohol consumption;
• Nasal congestion;
• Sleep deprivation;
• Your mouth’s anatomy.

Talk to your doctor if you frequently wake up throughout the night gasping for air or if your partner notices changes in your snoring patterns. You should also seek medical help if you feel groggy or fatigued throughout the day and don't know why. Catching sleep apnea early on can help you get a better night's sleep as soon as possible.

Disclaimer:

The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.