Sleep Apnea

What is it and what are the causes?

    i.     Obstructive Sleep Apnea:

• This mainly affects men aged between 30 and 50. OCA occurs when the air passages in the upper respiratory tract become obstructed during sleep. The obstruction prevents breathing until the low levels of oxygen in the blood cause the person to respond by walking up or taking a deep breath or snorting.
• This is due to the relaxation of the soft tissue of the pharynx, which in turn blocks the airflow.
• Being overweight (particularly around the neck area) or having a large tongue or a small mouth can also cause obstruction.
• In children, enlarged tonsils, or enlarged adenoids (located at the back of the nasal cavity) are a common cause.

   ii.   Central Sleep Apnea:

• This is a rare type and is caused by the nerves that control breathing. The region of the brain and the nerves that regulate breathing do not function normally and this causes breathing to be impaired.
• Causes of central Sleep Apnea include brain damage following head injury or a stroke.

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Who is affected?

• It is more common in children and in adults between the ages of 30-50.
• It is also more common in males.
• Moreover, people who smoke, drink alcohol or are overweight (obese) are at a greater risk.
• It may also occur in people at high altitudes.

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What are the symptoms?

• Restlessness and unrefreshing sleep.
• Daytime sleepiness
• Poor memory and concentration
• Loud snoring
• Change in personality
• In men, impotence
• Frequent urination during night.

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What are the complications?

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What can I do?

• Avoid sedatives and alcohol.
• Try losing weight if you are overweight.
• You try to sleep on your side, which helps to relieve the symptoms.
• If caused by high altitudes, it should disappear when you acclamatise or return to lower altitudes.
• In some cases surgery may be required, especially in case of enlarged tonsils and adenoids.
• Wearing a positive pressure ventilation mask during nights helps cure the symptoms.

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