Obstructive Sleep Apnea – Awareness (Sleeping Disorder)

Hey everyone! in this post I would like to raise awareness regarding a sleeping disorder. This is my honors project. I Hope the information is helpful to you all

Obstructive Sleep Apnea – Awareness (Sleeping Disorder)

What do you mean by Sleep Apnea?

Sleep Apnea is a condition, wherein breathing can become very shallow or one may even stop breathing -- briefly -- while sleeping. It can happen many times a night in some people.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) happens when something partly or completely blocks the upper airway during sleep. When the muscles in the back of your throat relax too much to allow normal breathing. That makes the diaphragm and chest muscles work harder to open the obstructed airway and pull air into the lungs. Breathing usually resumes with a loud gasp, snort, or body jerk. This awakening is usually so brief that people don't remember it. OSA may lower the level of oxygen in blood and cause a build-up of carbon dioxide.

This pattern can repeat itself five to 30 times or more each hour, all night long. These disruptions impair the ability to reach the desired deep, restful phases of sleep, and people probably feel sleepy during their waking hours.

People with obstructive sleep apnea may not be aware that their sleep was interrupted. In fact, many people with this type of sleep apnea think they slept well all night.

The association of OSA with heart failure is also known. OSA has been recognized as an independent risk factor for hypertension, and to impose adverse effects on the heart and cardiovascular system. Also, a large proportion (40% to 80%) of stroke patients have OSA, suggesting that it may increase the stroke risk as well.

Some Common Symptoms of OSA:

- Daytime sleepiness or fatigue
- Dry mouth or sore throat when you wake up
- Headaches in the morning
- Trouble concentrating, forgetfulness, depression, or irritability
- Night sweats
- Restlessness during sleep
- Problems with sex
- Snoring
- Waking up suddenly and feeling like you're gasping or choking
- Trouble getting up in the mornings
- Need to urinate frequently at night

If you share a bed with someone, they'll probably notice it before you do. Please talk to your doctor if you notice any of these symptoms as they may be due to a lot of other possible factors as well.

Who is more prone to Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

Its more likely to happen in overweight or obese people, who have a thick or large neck, or have smaller airways in nose, throat, or mouth. It can also happen in people having enlarged tonsils or too much tissue at the back of the throat that hangs down and blocks the windpipe. A larger-than-average tongue can also block the airway in many people.

The condition is more common among men than women, and it becomes more likely as you get older. But its not a normal part of aging.

Risk factors of OSA include:

- Smoking
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Being at risk for heart failure or stroke

OSAs Complications may include:

Daytime fatigue and sleepiness - The repeated awakenings make normal, restorative sleep impossible. People with OSA often experience severe daytime drowsiness, fatigue and irritability. They may have difficulty concentrating and find themselves falling asleep at work, while watching TV or even when driving. Children and young people may do poorly in school and commonly have attention or behavior problems.

Cardiovascular problems. Many people might develop high blood pressure (hypertension), which can increase the risk of heart disease.

Eye problems. Some research has found a connection between OSA and certain eye conditions, such as glaucoma. Eye complications can usually be treated.

Sleep-deprived partners. Loud snoring can keep those around you from getting good rest and eventually disrupt your relationships. Some partners may even choose to sleep in another room. Many bed partners of people who snore are sleep deprived as well.

Treatment for OSA:

- Weight loss, if needed. Losing even 10% of the body weight can make a difference.

- Avoiding alcohol and sleeping pills, which makes the airway more likely to collapse during sleep and lengthen the times when one is not breathing properly.

- Sleeping on your side may help if the sleep apnea is mild.

- Nasal sprays, if sinus problems or nasal congestion make it harder to breathe while sleeping.

- CPAP machine. This device includes a mask that you wear over your nose or mouth, or both. An air blower forces constant and continuous air through the nose or mouth. The air pressure is just enough to keep the upper airway tissues from collapsing during sleep. Other types of positive airway pressure devices are also available, including the BPAP, which has two levels of air flow that vary with breathing in and out.

- Oral devices. For people with mild sleep apnea, dental appliances or oral "mandibular advancement" devices that prevent the tongue from blocking the throat or advance the lower jaw forward can be made. These devices help keep the airway open during sleep. A dental expert trained in this can check on which type of device may be best.

- Surgery is for people who have extra or misshapen tissue that blocks airflow through the nose or throat.

Preventing OSA:

It's not always possible to prevent OSA, but making certain lifestyle changes may reduce your risk of developing the condition.

These include:

- losing weight if you're overweight or obese
- limiting how much alcohol you drink and avoiding alcohol in the evening
- stopping smoking if you smoke
- avoiding the use of sleeping tablets and tranquillisers

References:

webmd.com
Journal of the American College of Cardiology
www.mayoclinic.org
www.nhs.uk

Discussion Questions:

1. Have you dealt with Obstructive Sleep Apnea before and if so, what is your experience with it?
2. Do your loved one or anyone you know have OSA? What did you do to help and what do you think you can do after having read this post?
3. Are there any tips or tricks that you have found on your own or from another source that would help someone suffering from OSA?

Have a lovely day you all! Hope this information helps