What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

There are three types of sleep apnea.  Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), central sleep apnea (CSA) and complex sleep apnea (CompSA); the most common of the three, being obstructive sleep apnea.  Approximately 2% of women and 4% of men suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is when the air passage is blocked or collapses during sleep.  This could be due to the back of the tongue falling back obstructing the airflow; this happens especially when the person lays flat on their back.  Another cause for (OSA) is the side walls of their throat collapsing, narrowing or closing the airway while sleeping.  Others causes include; receding chin, obstructions in the nose such as a deviated septum.  In children it could be due to having enlarged tonsils. 

People who suffer from obesity are more likely to have OSA.  Risks increases with age and people who are active smokers.

• high blood pressure,
• stroke,
• sudden death,
• heart attack,
• decreased work productivity,
• slowed reflexes which increase chances of an accident

Your bed partner may be the first to notice the condition for it will be the loud snoring followed by shallow breathing or total stop in breathing that could last 10 to 20 seconds and then the sudden gasp to regain air.

As for the sufferer of OSA;

• they may have a more difficult time concentrating,
• problems with memory,
• fatigue,
• irritability,
• restless sleep,
• headaches

If you suspect you have sleep apnea, it is important that you see a Physician.  Usually an overnight stay at a sleep clinic is required to determine if you have the disorder. 

Some people can alleviate the problem of OSA by simply changing their lifestyle;

• Change the position in which you sleep, sleep on your side this will most likely prevent your tongue from falling back and obstructing your airway; if you must sleep on your back, elevator yourself at a thirty degree angle or higher if necessary so to prevent gravity from collapsing the airway.   
• Use nasal strips or a nasal dilator,
• quit smoking,
• refrain from drinking alcohol or ingesting sedatives especially before going to bed,
• lose weight

Other remedies

• You can wear a mouthpiece device that will pull the lower jaw forward allowing easier airflow.

• There are also surgical procedures to get rid of and tighten tissue to enlarge airway.
• The most common treatment however is wearing a (CPAP) Continuous Positive Airway Pressure which is a mask that covers the mouth and nose that is connected to a hose and attached to a machine that delivers a continuous flow of air to keep the airway open.

Once properly treated you should feel refreshed, have more energy and be able to enjoy the day.