Living with Sleep Apnea Erin. E. Smith

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a serious condition that affects more than 12 million Americans.

Sleep apnea causes people to stop breathing during sleep, sometimes as often as hundreds of times per night.

It can be extremely terrifying and completely debilitating for its sufferers.

Effects bed partners as well with consistent snoring gasping and choking sounds.

Who Gets Sleep Apnea?

Those who are more obese are prone to Sleep Apnea, with about 70% of obese people living with the condition.

Heart disease and stoke sufferers are likely to have sleep Apnea as well.

Commonly an adult disease, though there are children know to have Sleep Apnea.

Types of Sleep Apnea

Obstructive Sleep Apnea – OSA

Most common form of Sleep ApneaOccurs when the soft tissues in the back

of the throat relax to much during sleep, blocking and restricting breathing.

Types of Sleep Apnea

Central Sleep Apnea

Most severe form of Sleep Apnea.NOT a blockage of the airway, but rather,

the brain does not signal the sleeper to breath while sleeping.

Characterized by a lasp in breathing longer than 20 seconds.

Sleep Apnea Symptoms

Short term memory lossWeight gainExcessive Daytime Sleepiness – EDSDry mouthSore throatHigh blood pressureDepressionDiabetes

Diagnosing Sleep Apnea

Epworth Sleepiness Scale

An 8 question guide to help measure the extent of sleep related issues. The higher the score, the more likely you are to have Sleep Apnea.

Diagnosing Sleep Apnea

Polysomnoghaphy – PSG

A Sleep Study where the person is evaluated during sleep for:

Frequency of breathingBrain wavesEye movementSnoringMuscle activityOral and nasal flowBlood oxygen levels

Sleep Apnea Treatment

Behavior Changes

Because Sleep Apnea is often seen in obese people, it is important to make dietary changes. Exercise is also strongly recommended.

Sleep Environment is also important. A comfortable sleep atmosphere such as good bedding, a dark room and

complete silence has been shown to promote sleep health.

Sleep Apnea Treatment

CPAP Equipment

CPAP is the most popular form of non-surgical Sleep Apnea treatment. Standing for “Constant Positive Airway Pressure”, a CPAP keeps the palate, tissues and nose open, making it possible for the person to breath properly.

Sleep Apnea Treatment

CPAP Equipment

Sleep Apnea Treatment

Sleep Apnea Surgery

Although surgical procedures are very effective, they are often the last resort in the treatment of Sleep Apnea.

Also, like any surgery, they come with risks such as infection, scarring, pain and missed time from work.

Sleep Apnea Treatment

Sleep Apnea Surgery

Nasal Airway SurgeryTongue Reduction SurgeryPalate ImplantsTracheostomyMaxillomandibular AdvancementBariatric Surgery

Living with Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea can be very serious. However, following an effective treatment plan often can improve your quality of life.

Follow up with your doctor regularly to make sure your treatment is working. Tell him or her if the treatment is causing bothersome side effects.

References

http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/sleep-apnea/sleep-apnea

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sleep-apnea/DS00148

http://sleepapnea.com/http://www.stanford.edu/~

dement/apnea.html