Repeated interruptions in breathing dur-
Definition of Sleep Apnea sleep.
ing
OSA is the most common form, caused by the
relaxation of throat muscles, leading to airway
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) blockage. It often results in loud snoring and
Broad Overview gasping for air.
Initial treatment often includes lifestyle CSA occurs when the brain fails to send proper
changes such as weight loss, positional thera- signals to the muscles that control breathing. It
and
py, avoiding alcohol and sedatives. Types of Sleep Apnea Central Sleep Apnea (CSA) is less common and often associated with
underlying medical conditions.
Losing weight can significantly reduce the
severity of OSA symptoms and improve overall Weight Management Lifestyle Modifications This type is a combination of OSA and CSA,
health. where both obstructive and central
Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome
mechanisms are present.
Encouraging side sleeping can help prevent
airway collapse in individuals with position- Positional Therapy
OSA.
al
In OSA, the upper airway collapses during sleep
Treatment Options due to muscle relaxation. This obstruction
For moderate to severe cases, continuous leads to hypoxia and hypercapnia, triggering
positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is arousal from sleep.
commonly prescribed.
The loss of muscle tone in the pharyngeal
CPAP devices deliver a steady stream of air to region during sleep is a critical factor. Factors
keep the airway open during sleep, effectively CPAP Therapy Medical Interven… Mechanisms of Airway Obstruction Role of Muscle Tone such as obesity can exacerbate this condition
reducing apneas. by increasing tissue mass around the airway.
In certain cases, surgical interventions may
necessary to remove excess tissue or correct Certain sleep positions, particularly supine
be Surgical Options the
(on back), can worsen airway obstruction. Side
Sleep Apnea: Basic
anatomical abnormalities contributing to
Impact of Sleep Position sleeping may alleviate symptoms for some
OSA. individuals.
Overview and Pathophysiology of Sleep Apnea
Diagnosis typically begins with a thorough
medical history and physical examination,
Pathophysiology In CSA, the brain's failure to regulate breathing
is linked to various factors, including
focusing on symptoms and risk factors. neurological disorders and heart failure.
Polysomnography (PSG) is the gold standard The brainstem controls automatic functions,
for diagnosing sleep apnea. It records vari- Sleep Studies Clinical Evaluation including breathing. Dysfunction in this area
physiological parameters during sleep. Central Nervous System Involve… Brainstem Dysfunction lead
can to irregular breathing patterns during
ous
sleep.
In some cases, home-based tests may be
to monitor breathing patterns and oxygen
used This pattern, characterized by cycles of deep
levels, providing a more convenient option for Home Sleep Apnea Testing breathing followed by periods of apnea, is
patients. Influence of Cheyne-Stokes Respira… often seen in patients with heart failure and
Diagnosis of Sleep Apnea CSA.
Certain factors increase the likelihood of
developing sleep apnea, including obesity,
and
age, anatomical features.
Individuals with sleep apnea may experience
excessive daytime sleepiness, loud snoring,
Excess weight contributes to airway observed
and episodes of breathing cessation
obstruction due to increased fat deposits Obesity Risk Factors during sleep.
around the neck and throat.
Chronic fatigue can significantly impact daily
Sleep apnea is more prevalent in older adults functioning, leading to decreased productivity
and is more common in men than women, Common Symptoms Daytime Fatigue
and increased risk of accidents.
although the risk for women increases post- Age and Gender
menopause.
Sleep apnea can also affect cognitive
Cognitive Impair… functions, resulting in memory issues, diffi-
concentrating,
culty and mood disturbances.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious
health complications, including cardiovascu-
disease,
lar hypertension, and metabolic disor-
ders.
The intermittent hypoxia and sleep
Complications Cardiovascular Risks fragmentation associated with sleep apnea
increase
can the risk of heart disease and stroke.
There is a strong association between sleep
Metabolic Consequences apnea and insulin resistance, contributing to
development
the of type 2 diabetes.
