Sleep Apnea: Uncover the Facts

Each of us expects and deserves a good night’s sleep. But for many, sleeping is a struggle. They—and approximately 18 million other Americans—suffer from a common, but often undiagnosed, sleep disorder known as Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).

OSA is a life-threatening and life-altering condition that causes a person to stop breathing repeatedly during sleep. As a result, the body doesn’t get enough oxygen.

The most common sign of OSA is snoring, interrupted by pauses in breathing. This interrupted breathing pattern interferes with restful sleep. The lack of sleep affects daytime alertness and one’s ability to function well throughout the day. Ultimately, OSA takes its toll on an individual’s quality of life. The bed partner’s sleep may also be disrupted by his or her partner’s snoring, pauses in breathing and restless sleep.

What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

Obstructive Sleep Apnea is when a person stops breathing during sleep because his or her airway collapses and prevents air from getting into the lungs.

What causes the airway to collapse during sleep?

Several factors that can contribute to airway collapse are:

• Extra tissue in the back of the throat, such as large tonsils or uvula

• A decrease in the tone of the muscles holding the airway open

• Nasal obstruction

• Certain jaw or facial structures or attributes, such as a recessed chin

How many people have OSA?

Statistics reveal that:

• Four in 100 middle-aged men have OSA

• Two in 100 middle-aged women have OSA

• Most OSA sufferers remain undiagnosed and untreated

Symptoms

There are some easy-to-identify signs and symptoms associated with OSA.

• Do you smoke?

• Do you choke or gasp for breath when you sleep?

• Has anyone told you that you stop breathing during sleep?

• Do you feel tired or fatigued after you sleep?

• Has your weight changed in the last five years?

• Have you ever nodded off or fallen asleep while driving a vehicle?

If you answered yes to two or more of these questions, you may suffer from OSA.

Additional symptoms include morning headaches, difficulty concentrating, depression, irritability, memory loss and sexual dysfunction.

What happens if OSA is not treated?

People who do not seek diagnosis and effective treatment for OSA can be at increased risk for:

• High blood pressure

• Heart disease

• Heart attack

• Stroke

• Fatigue-related motor vehicle and work accidents

• Decreased quality of life

What treatments are available for OSA?

The most common treatment is: CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) pronounced see-PAP. CPAP equipment treats OSA by providing a gentle flow of positive-pressure air through a nasal mask to keep the airway open during sleep.

With CPAP Therapy:

• Breathing becomes regular and snoring stops

• Oxygen level in the blood becomes normal

• Restful sleep is restored

• Quality of life is improved

• Risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, heart attack, stroke and vehicular or work accidents is reduced

Less common treatments include surgery and oral appliances. These treatments include surgery and oral appliances. These treatments may be effective in certain individuals.

All treatments should include lifestyle modifications, such as, weight loss, if needed, exercise, sufficient hours of sleep and avoidance of alcohol, sedatives, hypnotics and tobacco.

Treatment of sleep apnea requires commitment to using the therapy regularly if the greatest benefits are to be recognized. Therapy is often more successful when you understand the disorder and the importance of regularly using the prescribed treatment. The more you know about your disorder, the easier it will be to discuss with your doctor any problems you may experience.