Have you ever experienced waking up feeling even more tired than when you went to sleep at night? Many individuals find themselves struggling with the possibility that sleep apnea could be the culprit, for disrupting their much-needed sleep. Sleep apnea is an underestimated sleep disorder characterized by the intermittent cessation and resumption of breathing patterns during one's sleep hours. These disruptions can potentially pose health risks such as increased tiredness and reduced concentration levels. Taking the time to comprehend what exactly sleep apnea entails and how it impacts the body serves as a stride, towards enhancing both one's quality of sleep and overall well-being.
There are three main types of sleep apnea, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), central sleep apnea (CSA), and treatment-emergent central sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common form where throat muscles start to relax and block the flow of air into the lungs. Central sleep apnea is when the brain doesn't send the right signals to the muscles that control breathing. When someone has obstructive sleep apnea which then converts to central sleep apnea during therapy for obstructive sleep apnea,treatment-emergent central sleep apnea (complex sleep apnea) occurs.
During obstructive sleep apnea, the muscles that start to relax cause the airway to narrow or close every time one breathes in. Sufficient air can't get in, which can lower the oxygen level in the blood. The brain then senses that you can't breathe and then proceeds to wake up the person so that they can reopen their airway. Since the waking time is short, people don't usually remember it.
Obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea can cause different complications as sleep apnea is a serious medical condition. The complications of OSA include daytime fatigue, high blood pressure or heart problems, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, complications with medicines, and surgery, and liver problems. The complications of CSA include fatigue and cardiovascular problems. Fatigue is the most common complication that occurs because the repeated awakenings make the usual restorative sleep almost impossible which results in severe drowsiness and fatigue. This in turn causes trouble concentrating on daily activities such as work, watching TV, or even driving.
Ultimately, the need to understand sleep apnea and its consequences better is crucial for the protection of one's sleep quality and health in general. Sleep apnea, whether it be obstructive, central, or treatment-emergent, impairs the body's ability to rest and recover, which gives rise to major complications. Being aware of the symptoms will enable one to take this condition into their hands. Addressing sleep apnea renews restorative sleep and can increase energy, focus, and overall long-term health to pave the way for a healthier, more active life.
Sources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sleep-apnea/symptoms-causes/syc-20377631
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8718-sleep-apnea Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board