Sleep Apnea Signs & Symptoms

In simple terms, a person with sleep apnea does not breathe normally while sleeping. Lapses in breathing that last 10 seconds or more are called apneas or apnea events. Those terms come from the Greek word “apnos,” which literally means “without breathing.”

A person might not notice that they have the condition until a partner or relative tells them that they stopped breathing while sleeping. Some patients have hundreds of apnea events each night. Those events can reduce the quality of sleep and cause serious health consequences.

For the patient, noticeable symptoms of sleep apnea can include:

• Snoring or gasping for air during sleep
• Unexplained fatigue
• Mood swings
• Dry mouth and/or headaches
• Feeling unrested, even after a long night’s sleep
• Waking up frequently to urinate

Contrary to a popular misconception, snoring doesn’t always indicate that a person has sleep apnea. In fact, all of the symptoms listed above are associated with a variety of health conditions, so anyone who notices a change in their health or sleep patterns should schedule an evaluation with a qualified physician.

Causes of Sleep Apnea

A person may be at higher risk of developing sleep apnea if they have unhealthy lifestyle habits (such as drinking, smoking, or a lack of physical activity), if they’re overweight, if they have a family history of sleep disorders, or if they have certain medical conditions. Older and middle-aged people are more likely to develop sleep apnea.

Physicians recognize three main types of sleep apnea:

• Central Sleep Apnea- The brain doesn’t send the appropriate signals to the muscles, which prevents normal breathing.
• Obstructive Sleep Apnea- The patient is unable to breathe due to a blockage in their airway. This often occurs when the throat muscles relax during sleep.
• Mixed Sleep Apnea- Also caused complex sleep apnea, this occurs when a patient has both central and obstructive sleep apnea.

Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common classification, but patients will need a clinical evaluation to determine which type they have. General practitioners will often refer their patients to sleep centers, where specialists can monitor their symptoms to make an appropriate diagnosis.

Treatment Options

To treat sleep apnea, a doctor will need to know the exact cause of the condition. For instance, when sleep apnea is caused by a blockage in the patient’s nose or throat, treatment may require removing the obstruction.

According to the Mayo Clinic, lifestyle changes are often the first course of treatment for mild cases of sleep apnea. Avoiding alcohol, tobacco, and certain over-the-counter medications may reduce symptoms. Regular exercise and weight loss can also be beneficial.

Moderate to severe cases of sleep apnea require more intervention. Treatments and therapies include:

• Airway Pressure Devices- Designed for obstructive sleep apnea, these devices pressurize the user’s airway, preventing the soft tissue of the threat from closing in. The most common option is a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, which delivers air pressure through a mask.
  
  Sleep apnea machines only create a small amount of pressure, and with practice and adjustments, many patients are able to use them comfortably.
• Oral Appliances- These non-mechanized devices keep the user’s throat open, often by bringing the jaw forward. Ideally, this relieves snoring and allows the person to sleep comfortably. Patients may need to try several oral appliances to find one that fits well and works as intended.
• Adaptive-Servo Ventilation (ASV)- Despite their technical name, ASV devices work similarly to traditional airway pressure devices. However, they’re equipped with computers that continually monitor the patient’s breathing. ASV devices constantly adapt to the patient’s breathing patterns, so they’re more comfortable for some people.

Most treatments are non-invasive, but surgery is an option for some patients with obstructive sleep apnea. Doctors may also recommend medications, supplemental oxygen, and other therapies to limit symptoms or to treat the underlying cause of the condition.

Getting More Information About Sleep Apnea

Left untreated, sleep apnea can cause serious health problems. It’s also disruptive to the patient and their loved ones, but modern therapies can be extremely effective. By using online resources and working closely with their doctors, people with sleep apnea can get the assistance they need for better sleep.

People who notice symptoms — or have been told that they snore or struggle to breathe while sleeping — should seek a clinical evaluation. Online research can help them stay informed about potential treatments, which can make conversations with physicians much easier.