Severe sleep apnea, also known as obstructive sleep apnea, is a serious sleep disorder where an individual experiences repeated stoppage of breathing while sleeping. These interruptions in breathing can last for a minute or more and may happen hundreds of times throughout the night. This condition severely affects the quality of sleep, and if left untreated can lead to serious health conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and even stroke.
The Signs and Symptoms of Severe Sleep Apnea
This condition often comes with several signs and symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms include excessive daytime sleepiness, loud and chronic snoring, choking, or gasping during sleep, morning headaches, restlessness during sleep, trouble concentrating, feeling irritable, and mood swings. If at any point in time you or your loved ones notice these symptoms, immediately consult with a healthcare professional.
Causes of Severe Sleep Apnea
Severe Sleep Apnea primarily occurs when the muscles in your throat tend to relax more than normal, blocking the airway and preventing air from getting into the lungs. This results in a decrease in the oxygen level in your body which leads your brain to wake you up and resume breathing. This condition can be triggered by various factors such as obesity, a large tongue or tonsils, endocrine disorders, heart or kidney failure, certain genetic syndromes, and premature birth. Age and gender also play a significant role in this condition as it’s more common in older adults, especially postmenopausal women.
Diagnosing Severe Sleep Apnea
Diagnosing severe sleep apnea involves several tests which can be performed at a sleep disorder center under the supervision of a sleep specialist. The primary test is called polysomnography, which monitors your sleep stages, eye movement, the oxygen levels in your blood, heart rate, breathing patterns, as well as body movements while you sleep. Depending on the severity of the condition and the individual’s overall health, additional tests such as home sleep tests and Nocturnal polysomnography may be conducted.
Treatment of Severe Sleep Apnea
Once diagnosed with severe sleep apnea, your healthcare provider would suggest some lifestyle changes that include losing weight if you’re overweight, quitting smoking, and avoiding alcohol. Besides that, there are several types of treatments available that vary depending on the severity of the condition. For people with mild to moderate sleep apnea, dental devices or breathing masks can help. For severe cases, therapies such as Continuous positive airway pressure therapy (CPAP) or other types of positive airway pressure devices, or even surgery, may be recommended. Treating this condition can significantly improve your sleep, reduce symptoms, and potentially alleviate other health complications.
Living with Severe Sleep Apnea
Living with severe sleep apnea can be challenging, and it requires continuous care and commitment to a treatment plan. Regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider to ensure that the symptoms improve and the treatment is working effectively are crucial. Participation in a support group may also be beneficial for people living with sleep apnea, as they can share experiences and coping strategies. Continuous monitoring, therapy, and lifestyle adjustments can significantly improve the quality of life for someone living with severe sleep apnea.
Finishing Thoughts
In conclusion, severe sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that not only affect the quality of sleep but also poses a risk of other serious health conditions like heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure. Awareness of the symptoms and immediate consultation with a healthcare provider if any symptom arises can make early diagnosis and treatment possible. Living with this condition may be challenging but with continuous care, therapy, and necessary lifestyle changes, one can lead a healthy and active life.
