Sleep Apnea
Also known as: Obstructive sleep apnea, OSA, Central sleep apnea
Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea, the most common form, occurs when the throat muscles relax and block the airway. Left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and daytime fatigue that impairs daily functioning.
At a Glance
- Common symptoms
- Loud snoring, Episodes of stopped breathing during sleep observed by another person, Gasping or choking during sleep
- Main treatments
- Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, Oral appliances to reposition the jaw, Weight loss through diet and exercise
- Category
- Respiratory · Affects approximately 22 million Americans, with 80% of moderate to severe cases undiagnosed
- See a doctor if
- Loud snoring that disrupts your or your partner's sleep
Symptoms
Causes
- Relaxation of throat muscles blocking the airway in obstructive sleep apnea
- Brain failing to send proper signals to breathing muscles in central sleep apnea
- Excess weight contributing to airway narrowing
- Anatomical features such as a thick neck or narrow airway
Risk Factors
- Obesity or excess weight
- Large neck circumference
- Male sex
- Age over 40
- Family history of sleep apnea
- Smoking and alcohol use
Diagnosis
- Overnight polysomnography in a sleep lab
- Home sleep apnea test for moderate to severe cases
- Epworth Sleepiness Scale questionnaire
- Physical examination of the airway
- Measurement of apnea-hypopnea index
Treatment
- Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy
- Oral appliances to reposition the jaw
- Weight loss through diet and exercise
- Positional therapy to avoid sleeping on the back
- Surgical options including uvulopalatopharyngoplasty or jaw advancement
- Hypoglossal nerve stimulation for CPAP-intolerant patients
Prevention
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Regular physical exercise
- Avoiding alcohol and sedatives before bedtime
- Sleeping on your side rather than your back
- Quitting smoking
When to See a Doctor
- Loud snoring that disrupts your or your partner's sleep
- Observed episodes of stopped breathing during sleep
- Excessive daytime drowsiness affecting work or driving
- Waking up gasping or choking
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Conditions
Related from the Supplement Library
Vitamin D
StrongVitamin · Bone health and calcium absorption
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA)
StrongFatty Acid · Cardiovascular health (TG reduction, anti-arrhythmic)
Magnesium Glycinate
StrongMineral · Improves sleep quality and onset
NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine)
StrongAmino Acid · Glutathione precursor and antioxidant support
Melatonin
StrongCompound · Regulates circadian rhythm and sleep-wake cycle
These supplements have been studied in relation to Sleep Apnea. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement, especially if you take medications.
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