What Causes Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a disorder characterized by repeated pauses in breathing during sleep, which can occur due to airway obstruction or changes in the brain’s control of breathing.

These interruptions can last seconds and repeat several times per hour. The most common form is Obstructive Sleep Apnea. It is estimated that around 30% of the population may be affected, which compromises their quality of life.

When left untreated, sleep apnea can increase the risk of hypertension, heart disease, and stroke.

What are the causes of Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Causes include obesity, anatomical changes (such as large tonsils and a receding chin), aging, alcohol or sedative use at night, and genetic factors.

However, it is possible to highlight some risk factors that increase the patient’s chances of developing the problem, such as:

  1. Obesity;
  2. Smoking;
  3. Alcoholism;
  4. Age over 50;
  5. Nasal congestion;
  6. Big tongue;
  7. Narrow neck;
  8. The use of sedative medications.

What are the types of sleep apnea?

Generally speaking, there are three types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea, and mixed sleep apnea.

  1. In obstructive sleep apnea, repeated pauses in breathing occur during sleep caused by obstruction of the upper airways.
  2. Central sleep apnea is characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep caused by the absence or reduction of the respiratory stimulus sent by the brain. It can occur in situations that alter the control of breathing, such as in heart failure, some neurological diseases, or with the use of medications that reduce the respiratory stimulus, such as opioids.
  3. Mixed apnea occurs when a single episode presents characteristics of both central and obstructive apnea, beginning without respiratory effort and progressing to a phase with airway obstruction.

What are the symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Symptoms of sleep apnea can occur both at night and throughout the day. Often, the patient themselves does not notice the pauses in breathing; they are usually observed by those sleeping in the same room.

Among the most common signs are:

  1. Loud snoring;
  2. Pauses in breathing during sleep observed by a companion;
  3. Feeling of suffocation or choking during the night;
  4. Excessive daytime sleepiness;
  5. Fatigue or tiredness throughout the day;
  6. Difficulty concentrating or remembering;
  7. Headache upon waking;

Other symptoms that may also occur include:

  1. Waking up with a dry mouth;
  2. Waking up with a sore throat;
  3. Frequent awakenings during the night;
  4. Getting up several times to urinate.

How is Obstructive Sleep Apnea diagnosed?

The diagnosis is made by a doctor based on clinical evaluation, the patient’s history, and confirmed through a polysomnography exam, which can identify changes in the patient’s breathing pattern while they sleep.

If I suspect I have Obstructive Sleep Apnea, which doctor should I see?

General practitioners, otolaryngologists, pulmonologists, and especially sleep medicine specialists are qualified professionals to conduct the investigation and treatment of sleep apnea.

How is Obstructive Sleep Apnea treated?

Treatment varies depending on the severity of the disease and the patient’s characteristics. It may include lifestyle changes such as losing weight, avoiding alcohol at night, and sleeping on one’s side. Additionally, there are options such as devices like intraoral appliances, which slightly advance the jaw to facilitate airflow.

In more severe cases, CPAP is indicated, which provides continuous pressure to the airways, keeping them open throughout the night. In some situations, surgery may also be indicated.

Getting a good night’s sleep is essential for health. Contact us today to find out more about sleep apnea and how we can help!

Related Article: Obstructive Sleep Apnea Overview, Symptoms, Treatments