Sleep Apnea Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Definition
Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder in the form of disturbed breathing when a person sleeps. If not handled properly, sufferers will repeatedly experience the condition of stopping breathing when sleeping. This can be dangerous because it means that the body, especially the brain, does not get adequate oxygen as it should.
Sleep apnea sleep disorders can also cause complications of metabolic disorders. Some of the common disorders that people with this condition experience are high blood pressure, diabetes, blood vessel disorders such as heart failure, irregular heart rhythms, heart attacks, strokes, and psychiatric disorders such as depression, ADHD ( Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ), and pain. head. In addition, sleep apnea can cause problems with routine activities such as school and work, as well as accidents while driving.
This sleep disorder can affect anyone. However, there are several conditions that can increase the risk of sleep apnea, namely:
- man
- have excess weight
- age over 40 years
- have a large neck circumference (more than 42 cm in males and 40 cm in females)
- have large tonsils, a large tongue, or a small mandible
- have a family history of sleep apnea
- have gastroesophageal reflux or GERD
- often experience nasal congestion due to a deviated septum, allergies, or sinus problems
Sleep Apnea Symptom
Symptoms of sleep apnea that are commonly experienced by sufferers include:
- Waking up with a dry or sore throat
- snoring loudly
- Occasionally awakens with a feeling of suffocation or gasping for air
- drowsiness or lack of energy during the day
- sleepy while driving
- morning headaches
- restless sleep
- forgetfulness, mood swings, and lack of sexual desire
- insomnia or waking up many times
Sleep Apnea Reason
Based on the cause, there are two types of sleep apnea, namely:
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
This type is the most common type of disorder. OSA occurs due to an obstruction in the airway. Usually caused by soft tissue in the back of the throat that falls when a person sleeps.
- Central sleep apnea
In this type, there is no obstruction in the airway. However, the brain fails to signal the muscles to breathe. This is caused by the instability of the respiratory control center.
Diagnosis
Doctors can suspect sleep apnea from the history of the patient’s condition and the symptoms that occur. Examination of sleep apnea, namely a polysomnogram will be carried out to confirm sleep disturbance problems. A polysomnogram test or sleep study is a test for several components that electronically transmit and record certain physical activities during sleep.
Other checks that can be done include:
- EEG ( electroencephalogram ) to record brain activity waves
- EMG ( electromyogram ) to record muscle activity such as leg movements, facial twitches and determine the presence of REM sleep stages when intense dreams often occur
- EOG ( electrooculogram ) to record eye movements
- EKG (electrocardiogram) to record heart rate and rhythm
- Nasal airflow sensor
- Snoring microphone for recording snoring activity
Sleep Apnea Treatment
Treatment for sleep apnea varies widely, including:
- lifestyle changes such as weight loss, changing sleeping positions, avoiding alcohol and sleeping pills, quitting smoking, and avoiding sleeping on your back.
- CPAP therapy ( Continuous Positive Airway Pressure ), which is the provision of airflow to the nose continuously so that the airways remain open so that breathing takes place smoothly.
- installation of sleep apnea devices and teeth, done to keep the airway open during sleep.
- surgery, performed for septal deviation, enlarged tonsils, or small lower jaw
Prevention
Prevention efforts against sleep apnea disorders can be done by avoiding things that can increase the risk. Some actions that can be taken such as:
- maintain ideal body weight
- Avoid consuming alcohol, sleeping pills, and don’t smoke
- Avoid foods that trigger stomach acid to rise