Sleep Apnea 101: Understanding the Basics of the Condition

What is sleep apnea? 

Sleep apnea, also spelt sleep apnoea, is a sleep disorder characterised by pauses or shallow breathing during sleep. If you snore loudly during sleep or often wake up feeling tired even after a full night’s rest, then you may have sleep apnea. 

Sleep apnea is a lot more common than you may think. Fortunately, this means there’s plenty of resources available online to help you understand and manage this condition. Whether you’re researching sleep apnea for yourself or on behalf of someone else, NSW CPAP is here to give you all the key information you need to understand this common sleep condition. 

The Different Types of Sleep Apnea

Three types of sleep apnea can affect people:

1. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): Obstructive sleep apnea, usually shortened to OSA, occurs when the muscles of the throat relax during sleep, blocking the flow of air. This is the most common form of sleep apnea.
2. Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): This form of sleep apnea occurs when your brain doesn’t send the right signals to the muscles that control your breathing. 
3. Complex Sleep Apnea: Also known as treatment-emergent central sleep apnea, this form of sleep apnea occurs when a person is receiving treatment for OSA, which then transforms into CSA. 

Sleep Apnea Signs and Symptoms

Sleep apnea is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide, and it often goes undiagnosed. Recognising the signs and symptoms of sleep apnea is crucial for early detection and effective treatment. 

Common Signs of Sleep Apnea

If you suspect that you may be suffering from sleep apnea, or believe that a loved one is, then these are some of the more common sleep apnea symptoms to watch out for: 

• Loud Snoring: One of the most well-known signs of sleep apnea is loud and persistent snoring. If you or your bed partner snore loudly on a regular basis, consider the possibility of sleep apnea being the cause.
• Choking or Gasping During Sleep: Another telltale sign is choking or gasping for air during sleep. These abrupt awakenings may not always be noticeable to the person experiencing them, but a partner or roommate might witness these episodes.
• Excessive Daytime Sleepiness: Feeling excessively tired during the day, regardless of how much sleep you got the night before, is a significant symptom. Nodding off at work, while driving, or during other daytime activities is a red flag.

Less Obvious Sleep Apnea Symptoms

While the above signs are relatively well-known, sleep apnea can manifest in subtler ways as well. It’s important to be aware of these less obvious symptoms if you suspect you may have sleep apnea:

• Morning Headaches: Frequent morning headaches can be an indicator of sleep apnea. The repeated interruptions in your breathing during the night can lead to oxygen deprivation, which may trigger headaches upon waking.
• Difficulty Concentrating: Sleep apnea can hinder your ability to concentrate and focus during the day. If you're experiencing difficulties with memory, attention, or cognitive tasks, it may be linked to sleep apnea.
• Irritability: Sleep disruption caused by sleep apnea can lead to irritability and mood swings. People with untreated sleep apnea often find themselves more easily frustrated and short-tempered.

By recognising these signs and symptoms, you can take the first step towards addressing sleep apnea and improving your overall well-being.

Causes of Sleep Apnea

Understanding the underlying causes of sleep apnea is essential in developing effective treatment strategies and making lifestyle changes to manage the condition. Sleep apnea can be attributed to various factors, and in this section, we'll explore some of the common sleep apnea causes.

• Obesity: One of the leading causes of sleep apnea is obesity. Excess weight, particularly around the neck, can lead to the narrowing of the airway. 
• Age: As we age, our muscle tone naturally decreases. This includes the muscles in the throat and tongue, which play a crucial role in keeping the airway open during sleep. 
• Genetics: Family history and genetic factors also play a role in sleep apnea. If you have a family member with sleep apnea, you may be at a higher risk of developing the condition. 
• Smoking and Alcohol: Both smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk of sleep apnea. Smoking can inflame and narrow the upper airway, while alcohol relaxes the muscles responsible for keeping the airway open. 
• Medical Conditions: Several medical conditions can contribute to or exacerbate sleep apnea. These include hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes, and hormonal disorders. Managing these underlying medical conditions is essential in addressing sleep apnea effectively.

Complications and Consequences

While sleep apnea itself can be a challenging condition, it's essential to be aware of the potential health risks associated with untreated sleep apnea. The consequences of sleep apnea can extend beyond disrupted sleep and may include:

• Cardiovascular issues
• Cognitive impairment
• Mood disorders
• Daytime fatigue and accidents
• Metabolic issues
• Decreased quality of life

Recognising the potential complications and consequences of untreated sleep apnea underscores the importance of seeking diagnosis and treatment. The good news is that with appropriate management, many of these risks can be mitigated, and individuals with sleep apnea can lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.

Diagnosis and Home Sleep Tests

Diagnosing sleep apnea is a crucial step in managing the condition effectively. The diagnostic process typically involves sleep studies conducted in sleep centres, but there are also convenient and accessible options known as home sleep tests.

Sleep Studies in Sleep Centres

A tried and tested method for diagnosing sleep apnea is undergoing a sleep study, also known as a polysomnography, in a sleep centre. Various parameters are monitored during this overnight sleep apnea test, including brain activity, eye movement, heart rate, muscle activity, and breathing patterns. These comprehensive studies help healthcare professionals assess the severity and nature of sleep apnea.

Home Sleep Apnea Tests

In recent years, home sleep tests for sleep apnea have gained popularity as a more convenient and cost-effective alternative. Doing a sleep apnea test at home offers several advantages, including convenience and accessibility. This is especially beneficial for people with mobility issues, busy schedules, or those who live in remote areas. 

Home sleep tests are designed to be used in the comfort of your own home. They typically involve the use of a portable monitoring device that measures key parameters like airflow, oxygen levels, and breathing effort. 

According to data from the Australian government, home-based sleep studies are more popular than laboratory sleep studies across the country, with more than 21,000 patients receiving a Medicare treatment management sleep study service in 2019. 

Sleep Apnea Treatment Options

Understanding the various treatment options for sleep apnea is essential for effectively managing the condition and improving your overall quality of life. From lifestyle modifications to medical interventions, there are several approaches to consider:

If obesity is a contributing factor to your sleep apnea, losing excess weight can be an effective treatment. Even a modest weight reduction can lead to a significant improvement in sleep apnea symptoms.

Limiting or avoiding alcohol and sedatives can help you see an improvement to your sleep apnea symptoms. As alcohol and sedatives relax the muscles in the throat, using these substances—especially before bed—can sometimes contribute to sleep apnea symptoms. 

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Therapy

CPAP therapy is a highly effective treatment for sleep apnea. It involves using a CPAP machine, which delivers a continuous stream of pressurised air through a mask to keep the airway open during sleep. 

CPAP masks come in various styles, including nasal masks, nasal pillow masks, and full face masks. Finding the right sleep apnea mask that provides a secure and comfortable fit is crucial for successful CPAP therapy.

NSW CPAP for all your sleep apnea needs

By understanding the basics of sleep apnea, recognising the signs and symptoms, and exploring available sleep apnea treatments, you can take proactive steps towards better sleep, improved health, and an enhanced quality of life. 

At NSW CPAP, our mission is to provide information, advice and guidance to those living with sleep apnea. You can buy our products online by browsing our website, or you can visit our friendly staff at one of our NSW CPAP clinics.