Viktoriya Dombrovska tells about complications of untreated Sleep Apnea and available treatments.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder in which a person’s breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep due to a blockage in the upper airway. This blockage is usually caused by the collapse of the soft tissues at the back of the throat, which can lead to reduced or even completely obstructed airflow. As a result, the body may briefly wake up to restore normal breathing, which can occur multiple times throughout the night and disrupt normal sleep patterns.

The main types of sleep apnea are:

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which is the more common form that occurs when throat muscles relax and block the flow of air into the lungs

Central sleep apnea (CSA), which occurs when the brain doesn’t send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing

Treatment-emergent central sleep apnea, also known as complex sleep apnea, which happens when someone has OSA — diagnosed with a sleep study — that converts to CSA when receiving therapy for OSA

There are several factors that can contribute to the development of sleep apnea, including:

1. Obesity: People who are overweight or obese are at a higher risk of developing sleep apnea because the excess fat in their neck and throat can put pressure on the airway and make it more likely to collapse during sleep.
2. Age: As people age, the muscles in their throat may become weaker, making it easier for the airway to collapse.
3. Genetics: Sleep apnea can run in families, suggesting a genetic component to the disorder.
4. Alcohol and sedative use: These substances can relax the muscles in the throat and make it more likely for the airway to collapse during sleep.
5. Smoking: Smoking can irritate and inflame the throat, leading to swelling and narrowing of the airway. Untreated sleep apnea can have serious consequences for both physical and mental health.Some of the common complications associated with sleep apnea include:High blood pressure: Sleep apnea can cause a rise in blood pressure, which can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems.Heart disease: People with sleep apnea are at a higher risk of developing heart disease, including arrhythmias, heart failure, and coronary artery disease.Type 2 diabetes: Sleep apnea can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by disrupting glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity.Depression and anxiety: Sleep apnea can lead to daytime fatigue and irritability, which can contribute to the development of depression and anxiety.Cognitive impairment: Sleep apnea has been linked to impaired memory and concentration, as well as a higher risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.Accidents and injuries: People with sleep apnea are at a higher risk of accidents and injuries, including motor vehicle accidents and workplace accidents.Sleep deprivation: Sleep apnea can lead to poor quality sleep and chronic sleep deprivation, which can impair immune function, increase inflammation, and contribute to a range of health problems.It is important to seek medical attention if you suspect that you or a loved one may have sleep apnea, as early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent these complications. The most common way to diagnose sleep apnea is through a sleep study, also known as a polysomnogram. This is a test that is conducted in a sleep laboratory, although some home sleep studies are also available.During a sleep study, a variety of physiological functions are monitored while the person sleeps. This includes monitoring brain waves, eye movements, muscle activity, heart rate, and breathing patterns. These measurements can help identify the presence and severity of sleep apnea, as well as other sleep-related disorders. Nocturnal polysomnography (NPSG) is a sleep study that is conducted overnight in a sleep laboratory. It involves monitoring various physiological functions during sleep to diagnose sleep disorders, including sleep apnea.During an NPSG, a person is hooked up to sensors that measure brain waves, eye movements, muscle activity, heart rate, breathing patterns, and blood oxygen levels. These measurements help to identify the presence and severity of sleep apnea and other sleep-related disorders.NPSG is typically conducted in a sleep laboratory, where the person spends the night in a private room designed for sleep studies. The monitoring equipment is connected to the person using small electrodes and sensors that are attached to the scalp, face, chest, and legs. A technician monitors the recordings throughout the night and makes adjustments as needed.The results of the NPSG can help healthcare professionals diagnose sleep apnea and determine the appropriate treatment. Depending on the severity of the sleep apnea, treatment options may include lifestyle changes, such as weight loss and exercise, as well as the use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy or other types of oral appliances. Home sleep tests (HST) are an alternative to in-laboratory sleep studies for the diagnosis of sleep apnea. These tests are designed to be convenient and cost-effective, as they can be conducted in the comfort of the person’s own home and are generally less expensive than in-laboratory tests.HST typically involves the use of a portable device that monitors various physiological functions during sleep, including breathing patterns, heart rate, and oxygen saturation. The device is worn on the wrist or finger, and a small tube is placed under the nose to measure airflow.While HST is generally considered accurate for diagnosing sleep apnea, it is important to note that the results may not be as comprehensive as those obtained from an in-laboratory sleep study. In particular, HST may not be able to detect other sleep disorders that require more complex monitoring, such as REM sleep behavior disorder or narcolepsy.If a person suspects they have sleep apnea, they should consult their healthcare provider. The provider may recommend an in-laboratory sleep study or a home sleep test, depending on the person’s symptoms and medical history. In some cases, a person may be required to have an in-laboratory sleep study if the HST results are inconclusive. Some common signs and symptoms of sleep apnea include loud snoring, gasping or choking during sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness, difficulty concentrating, and morning headaches. However, these symptoms are not always indicative of sleep apnea, so a sleep study is necessary to make a definitive diagnosis.CPAP therapy is highly effective in treating sleep apnea, reducing symptoms such as daytime fatigue, snoring, and pauses in breathing during sleep.Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is a medical treatment for sleep apnea, a condition in which a person’s airway repeatedly becomes partially or completely blocked during sleep, causing breathing to stop or become shallow.A CPAP machine uses a mask that fits over the nose and/or mouth to deliver a constant stream of air pressure into the airway, which keeps it open throughout the night. By doing so, CPAP prevents the airway from collapsing and stops the apnea events.The air pressure is delivered through a hose that connects the mask to the machine, which contains a motor and a filter to clean the air. The amount of pressure is determined by a healthcare professional, who may use a sleep study to determine the optimal level of pressure needed to keep the airway open. The CPAP machine also typically has settings to adjust the ramp-up time, which gradually increases the air pressure to the prescribed level, as well as other comfort features such as humidification, which adds moisture to the air to prevent dryness in the mouth and throatThere are several different types of CPAP machines, each with unique features and capabilities. Here are some of the most common types:
   1. Standard CPAP machine: This is the most basic type of CPAP machine, which delivers a fixed amount of air pressure continuously throughout the night. It is typically the most affordable type of CPAP machine.
   2. Auto-Adjusting CPAP (APAP) machine: This type of machine uses sensors to adjust the air pressure based on the person’s breathing patterns throughout the night. It can provide a more comfortable and personalized therapy than a standard CPAP machine.
   3. Bi-level positive airway pressure (BiPAP) machine: This type of machine delivers two different levels of air pressure, one for inhalation and one for exhalation. This can be helpful for people who have trouble exhaling against a fixed pressure.
   4. Travel CPAP machine: These machines are designed to be portable and lightweight, making them convenient for travel. They often have smaller profiles and may include battery options for extended use.
   5. CPAP machine with humidifier: Some CPAP machines come with a built-in humidifier, which adds moisture to the air to prevent dryness in the mouth and throat.
   6. CPAP machine with heated tubing: This type of machine has a heated tube that helps to prevent condensation from forming in the tubing, which can be uncomfortable and cause noise.

   It is important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine which type of CPAP machine is most appropriate for an individual’s specific needs and medical condition.