Obstructive Sleep Apnea

OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA

Obstructive sleep apnea. A obstruction in your windpipe causes obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which is the inability to breathe while you sleep. You can wake up a lot, which might cause annoying symptoms like midday fatigue. If OSA is left untreated, you run the danger of developing potentially fatal consequences. A medical professional may advise utilizing a CPAP machine or altering one’s lifestyle.

OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA

Your blood oxygen levels may decrease as a result of the obstruction and reduced airflow. Your brain’s survival response is triggered by this, waking you up just enough to breathe. Although that response is essential for breathing, it interferes with sleep.

Signs

At night, you or your sleeping partner may notice the following signs of obstructive sleep apnea:
Regular awakenings during the night
Breathing pauses during sleep
Breathing heavily as you wake up, as if you’re suffocating
Snoring
Sweating at night
I’m restless.
Symptoms during the day could include:
Weariness, drowsiness, or fatigue
Mood swings (anxiety and despair)
Concentration or memory problems
Headaches (usually upon awakening)
Sexual dysfunction

Causes

Obstructive sleep apnea is brought on by an obstruction in your upper airway. When you sleep, all of your muscles, including those that let breath into your lungs, relax. However, there need to be sufficient space for air to enter your body. The airway is blocked by relaxed muscles and tissues in sleep apnea. You cease breathing as a result of this obstruction of airflow.

Treatment

Treatment options for OSA could include:
Adjusting your sleeping position (avoid lying on your back) or keeping your weight within a healthy range are examples of lifestyle changes
With the aid of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) apparatus
Putting on mouthpieces or other dental devices
undergoing surgery
Sleep apnea surgery that is obstructive
To open your airway and treat OSA, common surgical procedures include:
This procedure involves removing tissue from the back of your throat.
To get around a blockage, open your windpipe using a tracheostomy.
Adenoids or tonsils are removed during a tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy.
Nerve stimulation: Putting in a gadget to activate the muscles in the airways while you sleep

Prevention

Consuming wholesome foods and engaging in regular exercise
Keeping a healthy weight
Having a regular bedtime and shutting off electronics before bed are examples of healthy sleep hygiene.
Taking care of any current medical issues, such as Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol
Avoiding alcohol-containing beverages and smoking before bed
Getting a checkup with your doctor once a year

Summary

Many persons who adhere to their provider’s treatment plan experience a reduction in their symptoms. Changing changing your nightly routine could be challenging at first, but as you get used to it, it should become more effortless. If you encounter any difficulties, such as changing positions while sleeping or having trouble fitting your PAP mask, let your healthcare professional know. They might be able to offer suggestions to keep you comfortable.