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When a person has sleep apnea, their breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, which can result in low levels of oxygen. Symptoms include daytime sleepiness, loud snoring, restless sleep, and more.

Most people with sleep apnea have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This happens when there is a physical blockage in the upper airway. Another type, central sleep apnea (CSA), is due to a signaling problem in the nervous system.

When the airway closes, or the signal is held up, the person will stop breathing. This will happen temporarily but repeatedly during sleep. When they breathe again, they may snort, take a deep breath, or awaken completely with a sensation of gasping, smothering, or choking.

Untreated sleep apnea may lead to complications such as heart disease and depression. It can also leave a person feeling drowsy, increasing the risk of accidents while driving or working.

Here, learn more about the symptoms, causes, when to see a doctor, and treatment options.

Symptoms

A person with sleep apnea may be unaware of their symptoms, but another person may notice that while sleeping the person:

• stops breathing for a while, followed by a noisy breath
• gasps for air
• snores loudly

The individual may notice that they experience:

• fatigue
• restless sleep or insomnia
• difficulty concentrating
• waking up several times a night to urinate
• awakening with a dry mouth or sore throat
• headaches
• irritability
• heartburnTreatment

Treatment aims to normalize breathing during sleep and address any underlying health problems. The options will depend on the cause and severity of symptoms.

Lifestyle changes

Lifestyle modifications are essential to normalizing breathing and are critical first steps in treatment.

They include:

• following a heart-healthy diet
• developing healthy sleeping habits
• limiting alcohol consumption
• quitting smoking
• managing weight
• sleeping on the side

Other options

Other treatment options include:

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy

This is the main treatment for sleep apnea. It keeps the airway open by gently providing a constant stream of positive pressure air through a mask.

Some people have trouble using CPAP and stop the treatment before achieving any lasting benefit. However, many measures can help make the equipment more comfortable, and the adjustment period smooth.

A person can adjust the mask and its settings. Adding moisture to the air as it flows through the mask can relieve nasal symptoms.

Surgery

Various surgical procedures can widen the airway in people with OSA. Surgery can stiffen or shrink obstructing tissue, or remove excess tissue or enlarged tonsils.

Depending on the extent of the surgery, the person may undergo the procedure in a doctor’s office or a hospital.

Mandibular repositioning device (MRD)

This is a custom-made oral appliance suitable for individuals with mild or moderate OSA.

The mouthpiece holds the jaw in a forward position during sleep to expand the space behind the tongue. This helps keep the upper airway open, preventing apnea and snoring.

Side effects of an MRD may include jaw or tooth pain, and potential aggravation of temporomandibular joint disease.

Medication

Some drugs may help with CSA but should only be used after consultation with a sleep specialist. Examples include:

• acetazolamide
• zolpidem
• triazolam

However, these may have severe adverse effects and may not be suitable for everyone.

Takeaway

Sleep apnea is a common problem that causes people’s breathing to pause during sleep. It can lead to fatigue and difficulty focusing, and it may be a sign of an underlying condition.

Often a person does not know they have sleep apnea, but someone who lives with them will notice.

Anyone who experiences daytime sleepiness should see a doctor, who can help them find out the reason and the steps to take to solve it.

Conclusion

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