Sleep Apnea

Sleep Apnea is a disorder characterized by episodic pauses in breathing during sleep that are at least 10 seconds in length and may occur dozens or even hundreds of times during the night.

There are three types of sleep apnea: obstructive, central, and mixed apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when tissue of the upper airway collapse and airflow is blocked. The constricted site briefly opens and airflow resumes when the patient arouses with a cough, choke or snort. As the patient resumes a “restful” stage of sleep, the obstruction occurs again. This cycle is often repeated several times each hour, resulting in disturbed sleep and daytime sleepiness. Central apnea occurs when the brain fails to initiate a breath. Mixed apnea is a combination an obstructive and central apnea.

Obesity, enlarged tonsils, enlarged tongue and other anatomical abnormalities are the most common causes for obstructive sleep apnea. Most patients with sleep apnea are obese.

Signs and symptoms of sleep apnea include excessive daytime sleepiness, snoring, snorting or gasping, fatigue, irritability, headaches and loss of concentration.

Potential complications of sleep apnea include: high blood pressure, stroke, coronary artery disease, heart attack and heart failure.

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