Interrupted

Breathing During Sleep

Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition in which a blockage occurs of the upper airway during sleep. In obstructive sleep apnea, blood oxygen saturation decreases, which raises an alarm in the individual’s body. This alarm causes the body to rise out of deeper sleep levels and into shallow levels of sleep, or even full wakefulness, in order for the body to reopen its airways and bring blood oxygen levels back to normal.

Because of this constant disruption from deep sleep, the individual may experience chronic fatigue or sleepiness during the day. Obstructive sleep apnea can also result in tightening of blood vessels in the body, including around the heart and head. Over time, this can cause high blood pressure, stroke, or cardiovascular events.

Mature Man With Sleep Apnea

Symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea can include:

  • Snoring
  • Night sweats
  • Headaches
  • Daytime sleepiness or fatigue
  • Restlessness during sleep
  • Sudden awakenings with a sensation of gasping or choking
  • Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking
  • Forgetfulness, trouble concentrating, or irritability

Treatment

Put your sleep apnea to bed! Options to treat obstructive sleep apnea are:

  1. Dental appliance. This option is most appropriate for snoring without sleep apnea and mild sleep apnea. Dental appliances prevent the tongue from blocking the throat, which helps to keep the airway open during sleep.
  2. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Device (CPAP). These devices are most often used to treat moderate or severe sleep apnea. A CPAP device ensures the individual is breathing a continuous stream of air with enough pressure to keep the upper airway passages open.
  3. Surgery. This option is most often used to treat moderate or severe obstructive sleep apnea. There are several surgical options which can be performed to increase airflow for individuals while sleeping. Talk with your provider about what surgical options may be best for you.