Sleep apnea is a respiratory disorder that significantly impairs sleep quality, and it can occur in people of all ages, including children and the elderly. A person with sleep apnea may stop breathing for up to a minute at a time, which can range from five to a hundred times per hour. People with sleep apnea often snore loudly and are fatigued even after a full night’s sleep. As it occurs when they are asleep, most patients are not aware that they have this ailment. These breathing disruptions can reduce the quality of sleep and, if left untreated, lead to serious health consequences. People who suffer from sleep apnea should consult a doctor or a sleep specialist to receive proper sleep apnea treatment.
In this guide, we will explore what sleep apnea is, its types, causes and symptoms, risk factors as well as diagnosis and treatment.
What are the Different Types of Sleep Apnea?
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
The most common type of sleep apnea is a result of an airway obstruction induced by throat muscle relaxation while sleeping. Therefore, when you breathe in, the airway collapses. After a few seconds, you regain consciousness, and your brain signals your muscles to reopen your airway and let air back in.
- Central Sleep Apnea
This type of sleep apnea occurs when breathing is not properly controlled by the brain stem. It indicates that the diaphragm, the muscles that control breathing, is not receiving the proper signals from the brain. Therefore, patients with CSA experience shallow and slow breathing when they are asleep.
- Mixed Sleep Apnea
Also known as Complex Sleep Apnea, it is a combination of Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Central Sleep Apnea.
What are the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?
There are two types of symptoms associated with sleep apnea.
- Nighttime Effects
The majority of people with untreated sleep apnea are not aware of its symptoms and the irregular breathing patterns it causes. It is a sleeping partner who often notices the loud, chronic snoring associated with sleep apnea, as well as the breathing pauses, changes in respiration rate, and gasping or choking for air that can happen with any type of the disorder. Other nighttime symptoms include restless sleep with frequent awakening, an increased urge to get out of bed and urinate, and sudden shortness of breath or chest pains.
- Daytime Effects
Daytime symptoms caused by partial awakenings and poor sleep quality include excessive sleepiness or unexplained fatigue, impatience, difficulty focusing, frustration, a dry mouth upon waking up, and morning headaches. These symptoms are not the only consequences of sleep apnea; if left untreated, the disorder and its breathing pause or partial awakening events can negatively impact your health. This can increase your risk of developing a variety of serious complications, from heart damage and hypertension to heart arrhythmias and sudden death.
Risk Factors Associated with Sleep Apnea
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
- Age
As people age, their risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea increases, especially if they are in their 60s and 70s.
- Sex
Obstructive sleep apnea is often more common in men or those who were assigned male at birth, particularly in the early stages of adulthood.
- Head and Neck Anatomy
Specific physical characteristics such as a shorter lower jaw and a larger tongue can increase the risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea.
- Cigarette Smoking
Compared to non-smokers, those who smoke are three times more likely to develop obstructive sleep apnea. Smoking can cause inflammation and fluid retention in the upper airway.
- Hormonal Anomalies
Hormonal disorders, such as an underactive thyroid or excess growth hormone production, can increase the risk of OSA by inducing tissue swelling close to the airway or increasing the BMI.
- Sleeping Posture
When people sleep on their backs, it can lead to developing or worsening sleep apnea as it changes the shape and positioning of the tissue around the airway.
- Family History of Sleep Apnea
A family history of OSA may enhance a person’s risk of obstructive sleep apnea, possibly due to anatomical features in the head and neck that are shared by family members.
- Medical Conditions
People with certain medical conditions, such as heart and lung disease, may be more likely to develop OSA.
Central Sleep Apnea
- Age
Individuals over the age of 65 are more likely to experience breathing disturbances associated with central sleep apnea.
- Sex
Central sleep apnea is more common in men or persons who were assigned male at birth, which can be related to sex hormone levels.
- Use of Certain Medications
Breathing problems and an increased risk of CSA have been linked to the long-term use of opiate drugs and certain prescription medications.
- Being at a High Altitude
Due to the low oxygen availability in high-altitude conditions, spending time at high altitudes is associated with CSA.
How to Diagnose Sleep Apnea?
Your healthcare provider may conduct an evaluation depending on your symptoms and sleep history, which you can offer with the help of someone who shares your bed or household, if possible. Once the assessment is completed, you will likely be referred to a sleep disorder centre. A sleep specialist at the centre can help you decide whether you require further evaluation. An evaluation at a sleep centre often includes overnight monitoring of your breathing and other bodily systems. Home sleep studies can also be an option.
- Nocturnal Polysomnography
During this test, you will be connected to equipment that tracks your heart, lung, and brain activity, breathing patterns, arm and leg movements, and blood oxygen levels while you sleep.
- Home Sleep Tests
In some cases, your sleep specialist may prescribe simple home tests to identify sleep apnea. These examinations often assess your heart rate, blood oxygen levels, airflow, and breathing patterns.
Sleep Apnea Treatment
If you have a milder case of sleep apnea, your doctor may suggest lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, quitting smoking, or adjusting your sleeping position. Your healthcare provider may also suggest treatments for nasal allergies if you have any. However, if these sleep apnea treatments do not relieve your symptoms, or if your apnea is moderate to severe, there are various other options available. Certain devices, such as CPAP machines, can assist in sleep apnea treatment by opening a clogged airway. In other circumstances, surgery may be necessary.
SG SLEEP SOLUTIONS – Sleep Apnea Specialists in Singapore
SG SLEEP SOLUTIONS is a sleep specialist in Singapore that provides a wide range of services for diagnosing, treating, and educating people with sleep disorders. We treat a variety of sleep disorders, including snoring, insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea, and other complex conditions. Our sleep disorder treatments are tailored to your specific needs, utilising innovative and science-backed solutions. For more information, contact us today!
