This article will explain who is at risk of developing OSA, what symptoms to watch for, and how diagnosis and treatment work. You’ll also learn some ways of coping with sleep apnea.
Causes
There is no single or direct cause of obstructive sleep apnea, but several risk factors exist. If you have risk factors, you are more likely to develop obstructive sleep apnea than someone without them. It doesn’t mean you will for sure develop obstructive sleep apnea or that you have sleep apnea and don’t know it.
If you have the following risk factors and experience daytime tiredness, fatigue, or nodding off, you may want to consider talking to your healthcare provider about screening for obstructive sleep apnea.
Risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea include:
Obesity Family history of obstructive sleep apnea Neck width greater than 16 inches for females and 17 inches for males Smoking Nasal congestion with no other cause Endocrine hormone conditions Being postmenopausal Having a small jaw with overbite or lower-hanging and soft palate (upper roof of the mouth) Down syndrome Swollen tonsils or adenoids (in children) Being over 60 years of age
Symptoms
While everyone is different, people with obstructive sleep apnea typically experience breathing pauses lasting longer than 10 seconds at least five times per hour.
When someone’s breathing rate repeatedly slows throughout each night, they cannot take in adequate amounts of oxygen. These periods are known as hypopneas (slowed breathing). Breathing slows and stops when something is blocking or restricting the airway. This may include the muscles, tongue, or other body tissues.
Common symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea include:
Snoring that is inconsistent (i. e. , starting and stopping with loud first breath or gasping for air noises)Headaches after wakingDaytime sleepiness (even falling asleep or nodding off)Cognitive decline including memory difficulties and decision making Mood changes due to excessive tiredness from interrupted sleep (depression, irritability)
Symptoms may range from mild to moderate to severe. Symptoms of OSA is measured using the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI).
Watch for signs of OSA to prevent it from going untreated. Motor vehicle accidents due to falling asleep while driving are a top concern with obstructive sleep apnea.
If you perform an at-home sleep study, you’ll likely wear a monitor that will track your oxygen levels and heart rate during the night. This data will be looked at by a sleep specialist, who can determine if you’re slowing or stopping breathing in your sleep and how often.
Treatment
There are many ways to approach obstructive sleep apnea treatment. Your healthcare provider or sleep specialist can discuss which strategies may be best suited to your specific treatment needs.
Common treatment options include:
CPAP (continuous positive airway single pressure) mask and machine or similar PAP tools A mouthpiece that helps keep airways open (made by your dentist or orthodontist) Surgical procedures to repair whatever is creating blockage or restriction (ie. , nasal surgery, upper airway surgery, larynx surgery) Nerve stimulation that controls tongue movement
Prognosis
There is no cure for obstructive sleep apnea, but treatment does help improve disease outcomes and lower the risk of health complications, including early death. However, weight loss may reduce the severity of sleep apnea.
Untreated OSA is associated with serious health conditions including high blood pressure and heart problems and stroke.
Coping
Coping with obstructive sleep apnea can include making some lifestyle changes to reduce symptoms. If you are not sure how to make the changes below, you may want to talk to your healthcare provider for additional support or referral to local health service providers who can help.
Lifestyle changes to make in order to cope include:
Lose weight when necessary. Sleep on your side. Avoid drinking alcohol and limit sedative use (i. e. , alcohol and sleeping pills reduce muscle tone. increasing OSA symptoms).
Summary
Obstructive sleep apnea is a chronic sleep condition with no cure. Several risk factors can contribute to the likelihood of developing sleep apnea including genetics, obesity, and age, among others. Symptoms include snoring, gasping, slowed or stopped breathing during sleeping, excessive daytime tiredness, and eventual blood pressure and heart problems. Treatment and coping options include CPAP machines, surgery, and lifestyle changes such as losing weight or avoiding substances that relax muscles before bedtime.
You may want to consider seeing your healthcare provider about OSA if you are:
At risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea Snoring and waking throughout the night Showing signs of excessive daytime tiredness Having trouble with decision making
A Word From Verywell
If you’re wondering if you have sleep apnea and what to do next, you may want to consider speaking with a sleep specialist about an at-home sleep study option or getting a referral to a sleep specialist. When you have a diagnosis, obstructive sleep apnea can be managed. Good sleep quality is essential in managing your overall physical and mental health.
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