Uninterrupted Slumber and its Disruptions: Reasons, Remedies, and Further Details
Sleep apnea, a common sleep disorder, can disrupt the quality of sleep and lead to a variety of health issues. Two main types of sleep apnea - Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Central Sleep Apnea (CSA) - have different causes and require different treatments.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
OSA is primarily caused by physical obstructions in the airway during sleep. This blockage often occurs due to the relaxation of throat muscles, leading to a collapse of the airway. Common causes of OSA include being overweight or obese, with fat deposits around the neck and upper airway, anatomical features such as large tonsils or adenoids, a narrow throat, thick neck or large tongue, short lower jawline, a deviated nasal septum, or a narrow, high-arched palate. Lifestyle factors like alcohol or sedative use, smoking, and lack of exercise can also worsen symptoms. Other risk factors include age, male gender, family history, and certain medical conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes [1][3][5].
Central Sleep Apnea (CSA)
In contrast, CSA is caused by a failure in the brain’s respiratory control centers to send appropriate signals to breathe during sleep. This leads to temporary cessation of breathing without an airway obstruction. CSA is often related to underlying medical or neurological diseases, such as heart failure, stroke, or the use of certain medications that affect breathing regulation [4].
Co-existing Sleep Apnea: Mixed Sleep Apnea
Mixed sleep apnea is a combination of OSA and CSA, where individuals may first experience OSA, followed by symptoms of CSA after using a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine.
Preventing Choking During Sleep
Some people experience choking during the night due to eating or putting objects in their mouths while sleepwalking. To reduce the risk of choking, doctors recommend avoiding unnecessary blankets, stuffed animals, or toys in an infant's crib. For adults with a history of sleep disorders, discussing lowering the risk of choking during the night with their doctor is advisable.
Treatment and Diagnosis
If there are signs of sleep apnea, it is crucial to consult with a doctor rather than self-medicate. Doctors can diagnose the type of sleep apnea and recommend the right treatments. Current treatments for mixed sleep apnea include using CPAP devices with the lowest pressure setting and Adaptive Servo-Ventilation (ASV) devices for greater ventilation control when CPAP is not effective.
It is essential to note that any medical condition that causes or worsens infant sleep apnea also needs treatment. Sudden infant death syndrome can occur from breathing disruptions at night, making early diagnosis and treatment crucial.
In summary, understanding the differences between OSA and CSA can help in early diagnosis and effective treatment. Consulting with a doctor is key to determining the appropriate treatment for each individual case.
- The relaxation of throat muscles during sleep can lead to obstructions in the airway, causing Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), a common sleep disorder that disrupts sleep quality and may impact health-and-wellness and mental-health.
- In contrast, Central Sleep Apnea (CSA) is caused by a failure in the brain’s respiratory control centers and results in temporary cessation of breathing without an airway obstruction, often related to underlying medical or neurological diseases.
- When diagnosing and treating sleep apnea, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate therapies-and-treatments, including Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) devices or Adaptive Servo-Ventilation (ASV) devices for mixed sleep apnea cases.
