Information From Your Health Care Provider

SLEEP APNEA

Basic information

description

Sleep apnea is a disorder in which a person's breathing stops briefly and repeatedly during sleep. In most cases, the person is unaware of these episodes. It can affect all ages, but is more common in adults over 60 and men.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Periods of 10 seconds or longer of not breathing while asleep. They may occur hundreds of time a night. It causes less oxygen to get to the lungs and eventually triggers the lungs to suck in air. The person may make a gasping or snorting sound, but is usually not fully awake. A bed partner may notice symptoms first.
Loud snoring and restless sleep.
Daytime sleepiness and fatigue.
Sexual dysfunction.
Morning headaches, dry mouth, or sore throat.
Mental or emotional problems such as memory loss, feeling irritable, poor judgment, or depression.

causes

Obstructive apnea (most common type). Breathing stops because the airway collapses and prevents air from getting into the lungs. Airway collapse may be due to several factors. There may be excess tissue at the back of the throat (large tonsils). The tongue may fall back and close off the airway. The muscles controlling the airway have become weakened.
Central sleep apnea (less common type). It is caused by a problem in the central nervous system.
Mixed apnea. The two types occur together.

risk increases with

Overweight.
Older adults and males.
Family history of sleep apnea.
Persons having a large neck, recessed chin, or abnormal structure of the upper airway.
Smoking; use of alcohol or sedative drugs; diabetes.
African Americans, Hispanics, and Pacific Islanders.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

No specific preventive measures. Avoid risk factors where possible.

expected outcomes

Outcome depends on the individual and how severe the symptoms are. Treatment can help improve apnea.

possible complications

High blood pressure, heart problems, or stroke.
Other health and emotional problems, motor vehicle accidents, or impaired work or school functioning.
Sleep quality of bed partner is affected. This can cause sleepiness and fatigue for that person.
Diabetes is more difficult to control.

diagnosis & treatment

general measures

Your health care provider may do a physical exam and ask questions about your symptoms and lifestyle. Tests to check your airways may be done. An overnight study at a sleep center may be prescribed. Diagnostic devices to be used at home may be used.
Treatment will depend on severity of apnea, other health problems, and daytime sleepiness.
Steps should be taken to treat any underlying medical problems, such as heart or lung disorders.
Sleep on your side, not your back. Pillows may help. Or sew a pocket on the back of your pajama top. Place a ping-pong ball or tennis ball in it.
Weight loss is recommended for overweight person.
Quit smoking. Find a way to stop that works for you.
A special dental device may be prescribed.
Devices to keep the airway open may help. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is often prescribed. A mask is worn over the nose and mouth during sleep. A small air compressor forces air into the nasal passages to keep airway open.
For severe apnea, surgery may be an option. Your health care provider will discuss the risks and benefits.
To learn more: American Sleep Apnea Assn., 6856 Eastern Ave., Ste. 203, Washington, DC 20012; (202) 293-3650 (not toll free); website: www.sleepapnea.org.

medications

Drugs may be prescribed for daytime sleepiness, depression, acid reflux, or other medical problems.
Avoid drugs like sedatives, hypnotics, barbiturates, or narcotics. Nasal strips do not treat apnea.

activity

Get regular exercise, but not right before bedtime.

diet

Lose weight, if you are overweight. Avoid alcohol.

notify our office if

You suspect you have sleep apnea or observe signs of sleep apnea in another family member.
Symptoms don't improve with treatment.