Sleep Apnea, Symptoms, and Causes

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by the constant cessation of respiration, causing a person to wake up repeatedly during sleep gasping for air. The person suffering from this condition may not even realize that he is waking up many times during then night. All he knows is that he is very tired and not in a good mood.

Three types of sleep apnea:

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS): Is the most common form in which tissues of the mouth and throat relaxes, resulting in obstruction of the trachea.

Central Sleep Apnea: The brain is not sending the appropriate signals to the muscles of breathing.

Complex Sleep Apnea: Is comprised of a combination of OSAS and Central sleep apnea

Sleep apnea is a dangerous disorder that can be life threatening, and can result in complications involving the heart. If you snore loudly during sleep, you could have sleep apnea. It is important to see your doctor for treatment to avoid problems with your heart.

Symptoms:

Symptoms of OSAS and central sleep apnea can mimic each other, making determination of the type of apnea you have a difficult conclusion to come to. Symptoms may include:

• Overly sleepiness during the day (hypersomnia)


• Loud snoring, indicative of OSAS


• Cessation of respiration during sleep


• Repeated awakenings due to shortness of breath, a factor of central sleep apnea


• Dry mouth or sore throat in the mornings


• Headache upon awakening


• Inability to stay asleep (insomnia)

You should see your health are professional if:

• Snoring disturbs yourself and others


• Breathing difficulty wakes you up


• Sporadic pauses breathing while sleeping


• Overly drowsy during the day

Causes of Obstructive Sleep Apnea:

Sleep apnea is caused by obstruction of the trachea by:

• The tongue


• Enlarged tonsils


• Excessive tissue in the throat, such as elongated uvula or enlarged tonsils


• Relaxation of the muscles in the back of the throat, occurring during sleep.

When the muscles relax, your airway narrows or closes during the inhale phase of respiration, resulting in momentary cessation of breathing. this can cause reduction of available oxygen in the body. Your brain awakens you to get more air in, causing you to wake up many times during the night. This robs you of much needed restful sleep and is why you feel so tired during the day.

Central sleep apnea - Causes

1. Heart disease


2. Stroke

The brain is not sending the proper signals to the muscles of breathing. This disorder is not as common as OSAS. The person experiences difficulty getting to sleep and staying asleep. The periods of suddenly awakening from sleep are most often remembered with this disorder.

Complex sleep apnea - Cause

Not unlike OSAS, obstruction of the airway, or trachea is the most common cause. However, there is disruption of the breathing pattern as well.

If you think you may have sleep apnea, contact your doctor for testing and treatment. Sleep Apnea is a dangerous sleep disorder that requires medical attention to avoid life threatening events, such as sudden death.

by Barb Hicks, RN