FAQs

Sleep Apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep. These episodes, which can occur hundreds of times a night, disrupt the sleep cycle, often leading to poor sleep and daytime fatigue. There are three types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea, and complex sleep apnea.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is triggered when the muscles in the back of your throat relax. When these muscles relax, your airway narrows or closes as you breathe in, and you can’t get an adequate breath in. This will lower the oxygen level in your blood, and your brain will briefly wake you up to reopen your airway, disrupting your sleep cycle.

Central Sleep Apnea

Central Sleep Apnea (CSA) is a less common form of sleep apnea that involves the central nervous system. It occurs when your brain fails to transmit signals to your breathing muscles, leading to irregular breathing or pauses during sleep. It’s not that you can’t breathe, but your brain fails to tell your body to breathe. This can lead to difficulty sleeping or excessive daytime sleepiness.

• Loud snoring
• Episodes of paused breathing during sleep (often reported by another person)
• Gasping for air during sleep
• Awakening with a dry mouth
• Headaches in the morning
• Difficulty staying asleep
• Daytime fatigue
• Difficulty paying attention

The causes of sleep apnea can vary depending on the type of sleep apnea.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

Obstructive sleep apnea is often caused by factors such as:

• Excess weight or obesity
• Narrow airway
• Enlarged tonsils or adenoids
• Family history of sleep apnea
• Alcohol or sedative use
• Smoking

Central Sleep Apnea (CSA)

Central sleep apnea can be caused by:

• Heart failure
• Stroke
• Brainstem disorders
• Certain medications
• High altitude

• Heart Disease. Untreated sleep apnea can cause heart problems due to sudden drops in blood oxygen levels that increase blood pressure and strain the cardiovascular system.
• High Blood Pressure. Sleep apnea can worsen high blood pressure. The sudden drops in blood oxygen levels raise blood pressure and strain the cardiovascular system.
• Type 2 Diabetes. Sleep apnea increases the risk of developing insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
• Metabolic Syndrome. Symptoms include high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels, high blood sugar, and an increased waist circumference.
• Liver Problems. Sleep apnea has been associated with liver function impairment and scarring (nonalcoholic fatty liver disease).

If you suspect you have sleep apnea, consult with a sleep specialist who will conduct an overnight sleep study. This study measures your heart rate, blood oxygen levels, air pressure, and other bodily functions overnight to diagnose the type and severity of sleep apnea.

Following the diagnosis, there are several treatment options:

• Positive Airway Pressure Devices. These machines, such as the commonly known Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) device, deliver a steady stream of air pressure through a mask you wear throughout the night. This constant, gentle pressure keeps your airway open and prevents it from collapsing, one of the main causes of sleep apnea episodes.
• Oral Appliances. These are custom-fitted dental devices, similar to sports mouthguards, taken orally while sleeping. They work by repositioning your lower jaw and tongue to increase the size of your airway, preventing it from collapsing and reducing the likelihood of sleep apnea episodes.
• Lifestyle Changes. Maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, and limiting alcohol can significantly reduce symptoms in mild-to-moderate sleep apnea cases.