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Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder characterized by repeated pauses in breathing during sleep. This condition not only reduces sleep quality but can also negatively affect overall health. Treatment for sleep apnea keeps the airways open to restore uninterrupted, healthy sleep. In this article you’ll find everything you need to know about what sleep apnea is, its symptoms and treatment options.
Sleep apnea occurs when the airways become blocked or narrowed during sleep, causing pauses in breathing. These pauses lower brain oxygen levels and cause frequent awakenings. Sleep apnea is classified into three main types:
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): Caused by physical blockage of the airway.
Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): Caused by the brain failing to send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing.
Mixed (Complex) Sleep Apnea: A combination of obstructive and central components.
Symptoms usually appear during sleep and upon waking. Common signs include:
Loud snoring (especially common in obstructive sleep apnea)
Frequent awakenings with shortness of breath
Excessive daytime sleepiness due to poor nocturnal sleep
Dry mouth on waking
Morning headaches
Difficulty concentrating and daytime attention problems
Treatment depends on the severity, underlying causes, and the patient’s overall health. Common approaches include:
Lifestyle Changes: For mild cases, weight loss, reducing alcohol and tobacco use, changing sleep position, and regular exercise can help.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): The most common treatment for obstructive sleep apnea; a CPAP device delivers continuous air pressure through a mask to keep the airway open.
Oral Appliances: Custom-made by a dentist, these devices position the jaw and tongue forward during sleep to maintain airway patency; effective for mild to moderate OSA.
Surgical Interventions: For severe cases, surgery may be necessary (e.g., soft palate reduction, tonsillectomy, or corrective jaw surgery).
BiPAP and APAP Devices: BiPAP provides different pressures for inhalation and exhalation; APAP automatically adjusts pressure throughout the night.
Effective treatment provides multiple benefits:
Improved sleep quality and deeper, less interrupted sleep
Increased daytime energy and reduced fatigue
Lowered risk of cardiovascular problems such as heart disease, stroke and hypertension
Better concentration and daytime cognitive performance
Reduced snoring, improving sleep quality for the patient and their bed partner
Some preventive measures and lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk:
Maintain a healthy weight to support open airways
Reduce or quit alcohol and tobacco use
Avoid sleeping on your back — sleeping on the side can help keep airways open
Regular physical activity to improve sleep quality
Sleep apnea can lead to serious health consequences and should be treated. If you experience symptoms of sleep apnea, consult a sleep specialist or your dentist to learn about diagnostic and treatment options.
