What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by episodes of breathing cessation (apneas) lasting over 10 seconds during sleep. These episodes can occur numerous times throughout the night, leading to frequent awakenings and disrupted sleep patterns.
During apneic episodes, oxygen levels in the blood may drop to dangerously low levels (hypoxemia), potentially triggering irregular heartbeats (cardiac arrhythmias), which can be fatal in severe cases. Individuals with OSA are also at a higher risk of experiencing heart attacks and strokes.
Untreated OSA significantly impacts sleep quality, resulting in daytime fatigue and excessive sleepiness. It is a major contributor to daytime drowsiness. That is why you need to know what obstructive sleep apnea is and how to deal with it.
An Overview of What an OSA is
Sleep apnea is often overlooked and considered one of the most commonly undiagnosed sleep disorders in the country. It’s challenging for doctors to identify during routine office visits, and there are no blood tests available to confirm the condition. Since sleep apnea occurs exclusively during sleep, most individuals affected are unaware of their condition. Typically, it’s a family member or bed partner who first notices the signs, such as loud snoring, gasping for breath, or periods of interrupted breathing.
The primary form of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea, where an individual’s airway collapses or becomes blocked during sleep, leading to shallow breathing, breathing pauses, and audible gasping sounds. Loud snoring often accompanies attempts to breathe when air manages to pass through the blockage. While obstructive sleep apnea is more prevalent in overweight individuals, it can affect people of all sizes. For instance, in small children, enlarged tonsils or adenoids may contribute to obstructive sleep apnea.
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Why Should Obstructive Sleep Apnea be Diagnosed and Treated?
Untreated sleep apnea leads to a variety of health risks, including:
- Increased risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, obesity, and diabetes
- Heightened risk of heart failure or exacerbation of existing heart conditions
- Greater likelihood of experiencing arrhythmias, or irregular heartbeats
- Elevated chance of work-related or driving accidents
Effective treatment of sleep apnea can improve overall health outcomes and potentially extend life expectancy.
Complications of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
One significant complication of untreated obstructive sleep apnea is cardiovascular disease. The intermittent drops in blood oxygen levels and the strain on the cardiovascular system caused by apneas can contribute to hypertension (high blood pressure), coronary artery disease, and an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. OSA has also been linked to arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation, which can further elevate the risk of cardiovascular events.
Chronic sleep apnea can also have adverse effects on metabolic health. It is associated with insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, and an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Additionally, OSA has been implicated in weight gain and difficulty losing weight, potentially exacerbating obesity-related health issues.
OSA can lead to neurocognitive deficits and mental health disturbances. Repeated disruptions in sleep can impair cognitive function, memory, and concentration, affecting academic or work performance. Excessive daytime sleepiness and fatigue can contribute to mood disorders such as depression and anxiety, as well as interpersonal difficulties.
Moreover, untreated obstructive sleep apnea poses risks to respiratory health. The chronic intermittent hypoxia experienced during apneic episodes can contribute to the development or worsening of respiratory conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma.
In addition to these health complications, untreated OSA can impact the overall quality of life and increase the risk of accidents, both on the road and in the workplace, due to daytime drowsiness and impaired alertness. It is crucial for individuals experiencing symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea to seek medical evaluation and appropriate treatment to mitigate these potential complications and improve overall health outcomes.
Who’s at Risk?
Obstructive sleep apnea is prevalent among individuals with the following health conditions:
- Diabetes. Approximately 40% of men with type II diabetes are estimated to have obstructive sleep apnea.
- High blood pressure. Roughly 50% of individuals with long-term obstructive sleep apnea also have high blood pressure.
- Depression. Studies suggest that depressed individuals are five times more likely to have obstructive sleep apnea than non-depressed individuals.
- Obesity. Sleep apnea is strongly linked to obesity, even in cases of moderate obesity.
- Heart disease. In the United States, nearly 40,000 cardiovascular deaths are attributed to obstructive sleep apnea annually.
Individuals with obstructive sleep apnea are estimated to be 6 times more likely to be involved in fatal car accidents. This is why it is crucial to know what OSA is and to start CPAP therapy promptly.
National Heart Lung and Blood Institute
What is OSA and What are the Main Symptoms of the Disease?
The symptoms of sleep apnea encompass a range of both nighttime disturbances and daytime impairments.
Daytime symptoms of sleep apnea are often related to the poor sleep quality experienced during the night. Excessive daytime sleepiness is a hallmark symptom, characterized by feelings of fatigue, drowsiness, and difficulty staying awake during the day. This excessive sleepiness can significantly impair cognitive function, leading to difficulties with concentration, memory, and decision-making. Additionally, individuals with sleep apnea may experience irritability, mood swings, and a general sense of malaise due to chronic sleep deprivation.
In some cases, sleep apnea can also manifest with physical symptoms such as morning headaches, dry mouth, or sore throat upon waking. Nighttime symptoms may include restlessness, frequent awakenings, or a sensation of choking or gasping for air during sleep.
It’s important to recognize that the severity and combination of symptoms can vary among individuals with sleep apnea. While some may experience pronounced symptoms, others may exhibit more subtle signs of the disorder. Prompt recognition and diagnosis of sleep apnea are essential for initiating appropriate treatment and mitigating the associated health risks and daytime impairments.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
The patient often learns what OSA is after being diagnosed with the disease. Diagnosing and treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is crucial for improving sleep quality, and overall health, and reducing the risk of associated complications. The process typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation, diagnostic testing, and personalized treatment strategies.
Diagnosis begins with a comprehensive assessment of symptoms, medical history, and risk factors for OSA. Common symptoms include loud snoring, witnessed pauses in breathing during sleep, daytime sleepiness, and fatigue. Physical examination may reveal anatomical features predisposing to airway obstruction, such as obesity or enlarged tonsils.
To confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity of OSA, sleep studies, such as polysomnography or home sleep apnea testing, may be conducted. These studies monitor various parameters during sleep, including airflow, oxygen levels, and breathing patterns.
Once diagnosed, treatment aims to alleviate symptoms, improve sleep quality, and reduce the risk of complications. Lifestyle modifications, such as weight loss, positional therapy, and avoidance of alcohol and sedatives before bedtime, may be recommended for mild cases.
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is the gold standard treatment for moderate to severe OSA. It involves wearing a special mask connected to a machine that delivers a continuous stream of air to keep the airway open while you sleep. Other non-invasive therapies, such as oral appliances or nasal expiratory positive airway pressure (EPAP) devices, may be considered for individuals who cannot tolerate CPAP or have mild to moderate OSA.
In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to address anatomical abnormalities contributing to airway obstruction. Procedures such as uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), septoplasty, or maxillomandibular advancement may be performed to enlarge the airway and improve airflow during sleep.
Regular follow-up and monitoring are essential to assess treatment efficacy, adjust therapy as needed, and address any ongoing symptoms or concerns. With proper diagnosis and treatment, people will forget what obstructive sleep apnea is and significantly improve their sleep quality and overall health.
Do you have any questions? Contact our CPAP Therapy & Sleep Apnea Center in Calgary, Red Deer, or Canmore, and we will answer and explain what OSA is, and how it is diagnosed and treated.
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