Sleep apnea

Sleep apnea is a disruptive and potentially dangerous sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. The most common type, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), results from the relaxation of throat muscles that block the airway, causing symptoms such as loud snoring, gasping for air, and significant daytime fatigue.

Advocate Sleep Centers are equipped with the latest testing and treatment options for sleep apnea, including obstructive sleep apnea, the most common type of sleep apnea.

Contact us to schedule a consultation.

What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?

Symptoms of sleep apnea can vary but often include:

• Loud snoring, which is more prominent in obstructive sleep apnea
• Episodes of stopped breathing during sleep, often noticed by another person
• Gasping for air during sleep
• Awakening with a dry mouth or sore throat
• Morning headaches
• Difficulty staying asleep (insomnia)
• Excessive daytime sleepiness (hypersomnia)
• Difficulty concentrating or memory problems
• Mood changes, such as irritability or depression
• High blood pressure

Daytime sleepiness and fatigue are particularly concerning as they can lead to decreased productivity, increased risk of accidents, and impaired quality of life.

What causes sleep apnea?

Several factors can contribute to the development of sleep apnea, including:

• Excess weight: Fat deposits around your upper airway can obstruct breathing.
• Neck circumference: A thicker neck might have a narrower airway.
• A narrowed airway: You may inherit a naturally narrow throat. Tonsils or adenoids can enlarge and block the airway, especially in children.
• Being male: Men are twice as likely to have sleep apnea.
• Age: Sleep apnea occurs significantly more often in adults over 50.
• Family history: If you have family members with sleep apnea, you may be at increased risk.
• Use of alcohol, sedatives, or tranquilizers: These substances relax the muscles in your throat.
• Nasal congestion: If you have difficulty breathing through your nose — whether from an anatomical problem or allergies — you're more likely to develop obstructive sleep apnea.

How is sleep apnea diagnosed?

Sleep apnea is typically diagnosed through a sleep study, also known as polysomnography. This test records various body functions during sleep, such as brain activity, eye movement, heart rate, and breathing patterns. The results of the sleep study will help your doctor determine the type and severity of your sleep apnea.

Sleep studies for sleep apnea

A sleep study often involves staying overnight at a sleep center, where specialists monitor your sleep, breathing patterns, arm and leg movements, and blood oxygen level.

Alternatively, a home sleep apnea test can be done using a portable device. These tests usually measure heart rate, blood oxygen level, airflow and breathing patterns.

Both methods provide valuable information about your sleep patterns and help diagnose sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea treatment

Treatment for sleep apnea often includes the use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, which keeps your airway open by providing a steady stream of air through a mask. Other treatments include:

• Oral appliances: These devices are designed to keep your throat open. Some are designed to open your throat by bringing your jaw forward, which can sometimes relieve snoring and mild obstructive sleep apnea.
• Surgery: Surgical options might be necessary for some patients. These can include removing tissues, shrinking tissues, jaw repositioning, implants, nerve stimulation and creating a new air passageway (tracheostomy).
• Positive airway pressure devices: Besides CPAP, other devices like BiPAP (bi-level positive airway pressure) might be used. BiPAP delivers more pressure when you breathe in and less when you breathe out.
• Treatment for underlying conditions: Addressing issues like nasal congestion can alleviate symptoms.

What happens if you don't treat sleep apnea?

Untreated sleep apnea is associated with various health complications, including:

• High blood pressure: The sudden drops in blood oxygen levels that occur during sleep apnea increase blood pressure and strain the cardiovascular system.
• Heart disease: Obstructive sleep apnea might increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, abnormal heartbeats, and atrial fibrillation.
• Type 2 diabetes: Sleep apnea is common in people with type 2 diabetes.
• Metabolic syndrome: This disorder, which includes high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels, high blood sugar, and an increased waist circumference, is linked to a higher risk of heart disease.
• Complications with medications and surgery: Obstructive sleep apnea is also a concern with certain medications and general anesthesia. People with sleep apnea may be more likely to have complications after major surgery because they're prone to breathing problems, especially when sedated and lying on their backs.
• Liver problems: People with sleep apnea are more likely to have abnormal results on liver function tests, and their livers are more likely to show signs of scarring (nonalcoholic fatty liver disease).