Sleep Apnea

Introduction to Sleep Apnea

In our fast-paced modern world, where sleep often takes a back seat to our busy lives, it is crucial to address the significant impact that sleep disorders can have on our overall health. One such disorder that often goes undiagnosed or ignored is sleep apnea.
It is characterized by repeated pauses in breathing, which are known as apneas during the sleep.
It occurs during the multiple times in night called multiple apneas and it disrupts the normal cycle of sleeps.

Data and statistics

A study conducted in 2015 by a consumer products firm had revealed that nearly 93% Indians are sleep-deprived. The prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea has been observed to be higher in the western region as compared to the other parts of the country.
When it comes to rural versus urban divide, similar risk factors are present. However, according to a study, the prevalence of OSA by AHI criteria in rural India is 3.73%. In absolute numbers, this amounts to 36.34 million individuals suffering from OSA.⁽¹⁾

Types of sleep Apnea

The two primary types of sleep apnea namely:

1. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
2. Central sleep apnea (CSA)

Symptoms:

• Loud snoring.
• Gasping for air during sleep
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Morning headaches
• Difficulty concentrating
• Irritability, and frequent awakenings during the night
• Decreased cognitive function
• Impaired concentration
• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Diabetes

Causes and Risk Factors

Obstructive sleep apnea:
When there is a physiological barrier leading to the airway obstruction, causes Obstructive sleep apnea.

Risk factors:

• Obesity
• Old age
• People having a family history of sleep apnea
• Alcohol usages
• People who are on sedative medications
• Asthma
• Chronic sinusitis

Central sleep apnea:
Central sleep apnea occurs due to lack of transmitting signals in the brain region.

When to consult your doctor:

It is always advised to consult your doctor if you suspect of sleep apnea.

Here are some signs and symptoms that may indicate the need to consult a doctor:

1. Loud and chronic snoring: If you snore loudly regularly, which is disruptive to your sleep or affects your partner’s sleep, it may be a symptom of sleep apnea.
2. Episodes of breathing cessation during sleep: If you or your partner notice that you stop breathing or gasp for air during sleep, it is a significant sign of sleep apnea.
3. Excessive daytime sleepiness: Feeling excessively tired during the day, even after a full night’s sleep, can be a symptom of sleep apnea. It may lead to difficulty concentrating, irritability, and reduced productivity.
4. Morning headaches: Waking up with frequent headaches, especially in the morning, can be an indication of sleep apnea.
5. Frequently waking up to urinate: Sleep apnea can lead to increased urination during the night (nocturia).
6. Restless sleep or insomnia: If you frequently toss and turn during sleep or experience difficulty falling asleep (insomnia), it could be a sign of sleep apnea.
7. High blood pressure: Sleep apnea is associated with an increased risk of high blood pressure (hypertension) and cardiovascular conditions.

Test to diagnose sleep apnea

Sleep study -polysomnography is recommend to diagnose and manage the Sleep Apnea.

Conclusion

It is possible to cure the Sleep Apnea problem if the diagnosis and the treatment is done at the right time. It is always better to consult an experienced professional who is trained enough to diagnose and cure the sleepless nights of yours. Don’t let the sleepless nights hinders yours Physical as well as mental health.

Sources:

1. https://www.resmed.co.in/blogs/prevalence-sleep-apnea-india.

Credits:
Image: freepik.com