A severe sleep disorder known as sleep apnea occurs when breathing stops and regularly returns throughout sleep. If this issue is left untreated, snoring that keeps you awake at night and fatigue throughout the day are just the beginning of the possible complications.
Sleep apnea is linked to loud snoring, but not everyone snores. If you have sleep apnea symptoms, consulting a specialist at a sleep apnoea clinic may be helpful. Talk to your doctor if you have difficulties sleeping and feel weary and restless during the day.
How Can I Know If This Is Sleep Apnea or Snoring?
Sleep apnea is not usually followed by frequent snoring. The quality of your sleep can be negatively impacted by sleep apnea, but regular snoring won’t. It has been claimed that sleep apnea could be a possibility if you frequently awaken, gasping for air or making other odd noises.
Main Types of Sleep Apnea
Familiarity with sleep apnea’s numerous types may help patients identify symptoms and find the best treatment. Here are the differences between types of sleep apnea.
1. Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea affects most people. Increased risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with age is shown in males, people who are overweight, pregnant women, and people who sleep on their backs.
Blockages make swallowing hard. The soft tissue at the back of your throat compresses and frequently blocks your airways, causing sleep apnea. Your diaphragm and chest muscles work harder to help you breathe during an event like this. Gasping or shaking may occur. This can lead to sleep deprivation, lower brain blood flow, and increased heart rate.
Common signs of OSA include:
- Feeling tired after waking up
- Snoring or gasping for breath
- Regular headaches
- Sore throat from sleeping
- Easily distracted
2. Central Sleep Apnea
Central sleep apnea is uncommon compared to obstructive. Diagnosis and therapy may be more challenging. The airway is free with this type. Diseases of the respiratory control center prohibit the brain from sending signals to the muscles that control breathing. It involves your brain.
While some people may experience no signs at all, others might:
- Sleep deprivation
- Anxiety
- Lethargic
3. Complex Sleep Apnea
A person has combined sleep apnea if they have both obstructive and central sleep apnea. A hard form of sleep apnea syndrome may have been found in an early sleep exam. But if a Continuous positive airway machine or other treatment for OSA doesn’t work, it may be easy to tell. The symptoms are the same as those for OSA.
Triggers for Sleep Apnea
A lot of factors influence the chances of developing OSA. Some are inherited, while others are developed with age or due to one’s lifestyle. These risk factors for sleep apnea are as follows:
1. Obesity
The likelihood of developing sleep apnea is significantly raised in the obese. When fat accumulates in the area of the upper airway, it might become a breathing hindrance.
2. Airway constriction
It’s possible your constricted airway is genetic. Particularly common in youngsters, enlargement of the tonsils or adenoids can cause breathing difficulties.
3. Size of the neck
The airways could be more compressed in people with larger neck widths.
4. Hereditary
The chance of developing sleep apnea is increased if you have a close relative who also suffers from the condition
5. Drug or alcohol usage
Since they reduce muscular tone in the neck, these medications can worsen obstructive sleep apnea.
6. Smoking
Smoking triples the risk of obstructive sleep apnea. Smoking increases airway inflammation and fluid retention.
7. Congestion
Anatomical or allergic nasal blockage increases the risk of obstructive sleep apnea.
8. Illness
Sleep apnea is associated with congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and Parkinson’s disease. Polycystic ovarian syndrome, hormone issues, stroke, and asthma are further risk factors.
Conclusion
Sleep apnea lowers the quality of life and increases the risk of several serious diseases. Quality of sleep and protection from future health problems can both be enhanced by the right treatment. Snoring may or may not indicate a significant issue in sleep apnea patients. If you suspect sleep apnea, see your doctor.
