Snoring by itself doesn’t necessarily mean that you have sleep apnea.
It is true that loud snoring is common in people with this disorder, but there’s
a big difference between simple snoring and sleep apnea.
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a serious disorder that causes your breathing to stop repeatedly
while you sleep. These breathing pauses or “apneas” usually last
10 to 30 seconds and can happen many times throughout the night.
The most common type of sleep apnea is obstructive
sleep apnea, which happens when the upper airway gets blocked during sleep.
Often, the blockage happens when the soft tissue in the back of the throat collapses
and closes during sleep. Relaxed throat muscles, a narrow airway, a large tongue
or extra fatty tissue in the throat can also block the airway. Central apnea
and mixed apnea are other types
of sleep apnea, but are more rare.
Are you at risk?
Snoring followed by silent pauses and daytime sleepiness are strong signs that
you might have sleep apnea. You may feel very tired and sleepy during the day
because your sleep is disrupted throughout the night,. You may even fall asleep
at the wrong times, for example while at work or while driving. Sleep apnea
is common and affects men, women and children of all ages, but many people don’t
realize they have it. You can take this sleepiness
test to see if you’re at risk.
Signs and symptoms of sleep apnea
Family members or bed partners often pick up on the signs of sleep apnea first.
Many people with sleep apnea don’t know they’re snoring and gasping
for breath at night. If you have any of the following signs, see your doctor:
- daytime sleepiness
- loud snoring followed by silent pauses
- gasping or choking during sleep
- morning headache
- irritability or mood changes
- poor concentration or memory loss
- lowered sex drive
- falling asleep while driving.
Is sleep apnea dangerous?
Yes. Untreated sleep apnea can cause serious health problems. If it’s
not treated, sleep apnea can lead to:
- high blood pressure
- stroke
- heart attack
- traffic accidents
- depression
- decreased sexual function
- work-related accidents.
Is sleep apnea treatable?
Yes. There are easy and effective treatments for sleep apnea. Your treatment
will depend on whether your sleep apnea is mild, moderate or severe. Your doctor
can help you choose the best treatment for you. The most common treatment for
sleep apnea is CPAP
or continuous positive airway pressure. CPAP involves wearing a special mask
that keeps the throat open and stops the snoring and pauses in breathing.
The key is to confirm whether you have sleep apnea so you can start treatment.
If you have any of the signs and symptoms listed above, see your doctor. Your
doctor may send you for overnight
testing at a sleep disorder centre where your condition can be studied thoroughly.
You may also be required to do some home tests.
Other ways to help reduce sleep apnea symptoms:
- Avoid alcohol, caffeine and sleeping pills.
- If you are overweight, lose weight.
- Sleep on your side instead of on your back.
- Stop smoking.
For more information on lifestyle changes and sleep apnea see: Will
changing my lifestyle help with my sleep apnea?
Further reading
About
sleep apnea: what is it?
Defines sleep apnea (sometimes called obstructive sleep apnea) and explains
the effects it has on people. Describes how sleep apnea is diagnosed and treated.
Source: Canadian Lung Association
From: Sleep apnea
Sleep
apnea
Defines sleep apnea and touches on its causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.
Lists things than can make sleep apnea worse.
Source: Calgary
Health Region
Apnea
Describes the three basic types of sleep apnea: obstructive, central and mixed.
Source: KidsHealth
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