An estimated 30 million Americans have them Sleep ApneaHowever, only a fifth of these cases are clinically diagnosed, according to the American Medical Association. For such a common condition, many people are unaware of the symptoms and health effects of sleep apnea, including everything from snoring to fatigue.
Below, we’ll dive into some frequently asked questions about sleep apnea so you can spot the warning signs.
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep Apnea It is a medical condition that causes breathing to stop and start continuously during sleep. There are many risk factors For sleep apnea, including obesity, enlarged tongue or tonsils, or having certain medical problems, such as heart or lung disease.
The disorder can negatively affect the quality of your sleep, resulting in less restful nights and daytime fatigue. If not treated, it can form sleep apnea serious health problemsmay increase your risk of injury My heart diseaseAnd high blood pressure And depression.
What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?
Since sleep apnea occurs while you sleep, you may not even know you have it, but your partner may be able to point out some of the signs. common Symptoms of sleep apnea Includes:
Loud snoring: When the airway is blocked due to sleep apnea, it is difficult for oxygen to pass through. Decreased airflow can cause the tissues in the throat to vibrate, causing this to occur snoring.
Breathing that stops and starts during sleep: This can cause sleep apnea Throat muscles to relaxwhich can restrict your airway and stop your breathing momentarily.
Gasping, choking or snoring: You may experience these symptoms as your body tries to correct your breathing while you sleep.
Feeling tired during the day: Because sleep apnea interrupts your sleep, you may wake up feeling tired or restless.
Waking up with a dry mouth: Because breathing is difficult with sleep apnea, you may compensate by breathing with your mouth open, which can lead to Dry it (commonly known as xerostomia).
Waking up frequently to use the bathroom at night: Some people with sleep apnea have sleep apnea nocturnal urinationThis is a condition that causes you to get up frequently during the night to urinate.
Poor focus: Lack of restorative sleep can affect your ability to focus in your daily life.
Irritability: Similarly, when you don’t get enough restful sleep, you may feel more irritable or frustrated during the day.
Types of sleep apnea
There are two different types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea. While the symptoms are similar, the causes are different. Here’s how they compare.
Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea also restricts air from entering your throat while you sleep. This occurs when the soft tissues in your airway become blocked during sleep and leads to decreased airflow to your lungs and, in some cases, snoring, choking, or gasping. Like central sleep apnea, this disorder is more likely to occur in men and the elderly.
There are several causes of obstructive sleep apnea, and obesity is one of the most common. last Possible contributing factors including having a large or thick neck, heart failure, Endocrine and metabolic disordersSmoking and family history of sleep apnea.
Central sleep apnea
with Central sleep apneaAs you sleep, your breathing stops, starts, and becomes more shallow. It is caused by a miscommunication between the brain and the muscles it uses to breathe and is less common than obstructive sleep apnea. According to the Sleep FoundationThe disorder is more common in men and people over the age of 65.
Central sleep apnea is usually caused by other medical conditions, including heart failure, stroke, and kidney failure. Continuous use of prescription drugs and sleeping at high altitudes are other possible causes for this type of sleep apnea.
Health effects of sleep apnea
From your heart to your liver, sleep apnea can have widespread effects affecting many parts of your body. These are some of the most common health issues associated with the disorder.
Cardiovascular problems
When your breathing stops during the night, so does your body Releases stress hormoneswhich could eventually lead to Coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, heart failure and arrhythmias. Furthermore, sleep apnea negatively affects the quality of your sleep, which it can adverse effects Your heart health too.
excessive fatigue
If you have sleep apnea, the constant stopping and starting of breathing can make it difficult for you to get a restful night’s sleep. As a result, you may feel tired during the day. Being tired all the time can lead to a host of other issues, such as mood changes, depression, and problems concentrating. It is also possible Your immune system weakens And it makes driving dangerous.
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Type 2 diabetes
research People with obstructive sleep apnea have been found to be more likely to develop type 2 diabetes, and more than half of people with type 2 diabetes have sleep apnea. In addition, sleep apnea deprives the body of oxygen, which increases insulin resistance and raises glucose levels — so dealing with the disorder can exacerbate type 2 diabetes.
liver problems
Sleep Apnea Raises liver enzymes and he associated with development and progress to Non-alcoholic fatty liver diseaseA medical condition in which excess fat builds up in the liver. If you have NAFLD, you may be in Higher risk of other health problemsincluding cirrhosis and hepatic failure.
risk factors
There are a number of risk factors that affect your chances of developing sleep apnea. Here are some of the most popular.
age
While people of any age can develop obstructive sleep apnea, it is more prevalent among the elderly, and the chance of developing it increases as you get older. Central sleep apnea is more common in people 60 and over.
sex
Men and those assigned male at birth have a Higher risk to develop sleep apnea, but the chances start to equalize as people get older. for women , menopause Increases chances of sleep apnea.
Medical conditions
people with certain health conditions – including some thyroid and heart problems – may have a higher chance of having any type of sleep apnea. Furthermore it , Medical conditions High blood pressure, nasal congestion, diabetes and asthma can also increase your risk of obstructive sleep apnea.
Weight
studies It suggests that being overweight or obese is a risk factor for sleep apnea. That’s because heavier individuals tend to have more fatty deposits in their necks, which can block their airways.
family history
Having a family history of sleep apnea increases the chance of developing this disorder. The reason is that genetics helps determine the size and shape of someone’s neck area — the larger area makes it easier to develop obstructive sleep apnea. Genes also play a role in how the brain controls breathing, which can increase a person’s chance of developing central sleep apnea.
lifestyle
drinking And smoking It has been shown to increase the risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea because alcohol relaxes the muscles in the throat, and tobacco increases airway inflammation, both of which restrict breathing.
For more information about sleep apnea and possible treatments, check out Why you might feel tired after a full night’s sleep.
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