WHAT IS SLEEP APNEA?

Sleep Apnea is a serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts. Typical signs of sleep apnea could be snoring loudly and / or feeling tired even after a full night's sleep. Episodes of not breathing can last a few seconds to a few minutes. It may happen 5 to 30 times or more an hour. In most cases, breathing stops when the airway collapses, blocking the flow of air into and out of the lungs. In a rarer form, the episodes result from a problem with how the brain controls breathing. Sleep Apnea can be managed with proper treatment, however it often undetected. When not treated, it raises the risk of heart disease and other serious health problems.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF SLEEP APNEA?

Some of the common symptoms of sleep apnea are: 

• Snoring, difficulty staying asleep

• Prolonged breathing pauses

• Restlessness (tossing and turning) in sleep

• Headache, memory problems, difficult to wake from sleep,

• Fatigue, disorientation, drowsiness, difficulty staying awake during day

• Erectile dysfunction etc

DIAGNOSIS & TREATMENT 

Diagnosis: Detailed review of symptoms, medical history and physical examination. Sleep Apnea can only be diagnosed conclusively with a sleep study. Sleep patterns are electronically monitored overnight in a Sleep Centre.  

Treatment: Treatment for sleep apnea may include:

1.  Changes in Lifestyle such as losing weight, not smoking, avoiding alcohol and certain medications, improving sleeping habits

2.  Continuous positive air pressure, which uses a small device and a face mask to provide a steady stream of air to keep your throat open while you sleep 

3. Dental devices that either hold the lower jaw in place so it doesn't block the air flow or hold the tongue in place to keep it from blocking the airway

4. Certain medication or perhaps Surgery to remove tissue and widen the airway

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

1. Consult a Doctor if in case of symptoms of sleep apnea, such as daytime sleepiness, fatigue, depression, mood swings etc. Or if pointed out by the partner due to loud snoring or pauses in breathing at night

2. Some tips that help in Sleep Apnea include losing weight, not smoking or drinking alcohol, regular exercise and sleeping on your side instead of on the back.