Ian Purcell MD PhD Monali Patel MD Otoneurology Call 858 223 2172
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Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea causes repeated pauses in breathing during sleep, leading to daytime fatigue and morning headaches and raising the risk of heart and blood pressure problems.

At a glance

Symptoms
Loud snoring, pauses in breathing, daytime sleepiness, morning headaches
Common causes
The airway narrowing or collapsing during sleep; weight and anatomy raise the risk
How it's diagnosed
A sleep study, in a sleep lab or at home
Treatment
CPAP, oral appliances, weight loss, and positional therapy

Overview

Sleep Apnea is a common sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing or periods of shallow breathing during sleep. Each pause can last for a few seconds to a few minutes and they happen many times a night. In the most common form, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), this leads to reduced oxygen supply to the brain and throughout the body.

Sleep Apnea is primarily caused by a blockage of the airway during sleep, when the soft tissue in the back of the throat collapses and closes during sleep. Risk factors include obesity, smoking, alcohol, sedatives, aging, and family history.

Symptoms

Symptoms can include:

  • Loud snoring
  • Episodes of breathing cessation during sleep witnessed by another person
  • Abrupt awakenings accompanied by shortness of breath
  • Awakening with a dry mouth or sore throat
  • Morning headache
  • Difficulty staying asleep (insomnia)
  • Excessive daytime sleepiness (hypersomnia)

The symptoms can vary in intensity and often lead to significant daytime drowsiness and fatigue.

Causes and risk factors

Factors that can increase the risk of or contribute to Sleep Apnea include:

  • Excess weight
  • Neck circumference
  • A narrowed airway
  • Being male
  • Age
  • Family history
  • Use of alcohol, sedatives, or tranquilizers
  • Smoking
  • Nasal congestion

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Sleep Apnea usually involves:

  • Overnight sleep studies (polysomnography)
  • Home sleep tests
  • Evaluation based on signs and symptoms

Treatment

Treatment for Sleep Apnea may involve:

  • Lifestyle changes: Such as weight loss, exercise, and avoiding alcohol and smoking.
  • Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): The most common method that uses a mask to deliver air pressure while you sleep.
  • Oral appliances: Designed to keep your throat open.
  • Surgery: Options such as tissue removal, jaw repositioning, implants, or nerve stimulation.

Living with Sleep Apnea requires a comprehensive management plan to mitigate the risks associated with the disorder and improve quality of life.

Sleep Apnea is a serious condition that can significantly impact one's health and quality of life. If you believe you or someone you know may be suffering from Sleep Apnea, it's crucial to seek professional medical advice for a proper diagnosis and to explore treatment options.

For more information or to discuss symptoms and treatment options, contact our clinic. We are dedicated to providing expert care for individuals experiencing sleep disorders.

Testing that can help

Evaluation starts with a detailed history, a medication review, and a neurologic examination. Any further testing is chosen from those findings.

Diagnostic testingSee the full range of testing available at the practice.
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When to seek urgent care

Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department if dizziness or imbalance starts suddenly together with any of the following, since these can be signs of a stroke or another emergency:

  • Weakness or numbness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side
  • Trouble speaking or understanding speech
  • Double vision or sudden loss of vision
  • A sudden, severe headache
  • Inability to walk or stand
  • Chest pain, fainting, or a seizure

Further reading

This article is for general education and does not replace a medical evaluation. Testing and treatment are chosen for each patient after a full history and examination.