Sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep or a series of shallow breaths during sleep. According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, the pauses in breathing can last from a few seconds to several minutes and may occur anywhere from five to 30 times an hour. The pauses in breathing force you out of a deep sleep and into a light sleep. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute notes that sleep apnea is the one of the most common causes of daytime drowsiness and lack of energy.
Types
There are three types of sleep apnea. The most common type is referred to as obstructive sleep apnea, which occurs when the throat muscle relaxes too much during sleep. Central sleep apnea is less common and occurs when the brain doesn't send the right signals to the muscles to properly control breathing. Complex sleep apnea is a combination of both obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea.
Risk Factors
Anyone can experience sleep apnea, but certain factors put you at an increased risk. Excess weight increases your chances of sleep apnea because fat deposits around the airway may obstruct breathing. High blood pressure, smoking, alcohol use and heart disorders also increase your chances of sleep apnea. Men and people over the age of 65 are also twice as likely to develop sleep apnea, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Symptoms
Lack of energy is one of the main symptoms of sleep apnea. Since you are waking up repeatedly throughout the night, you are unable to get enough sleep to allow the body to recharge and restore itself. Without this important sleep, your body cannot function properly. In addition to lack of energy, this can cause severe drowsiness, difficulty concentrating, irritability, moodiness and depression. The Mayo Clinic notes that many people with sleep apnea fall asleep at various times throughout the day. Other symptoms of sleep apnea include loud snoring, waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat, insomnia and headache.
Treatment
A variety of different treatment options for sleep apnea are available. Specific treatment depends on the type of sleep apnea, medical history and severity of the condition, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Initial stages of treatment usually include lifestyle changes, such as losing weight and quitting smoking. If these measures are not successful, special pillows and oral devices can be used to keep your airways open and prevent you from sleeping on your back. In severe cases, surgery may be needed to remove excess tissue from the airway in an effort to widen it.
Complications
According to the Mayo Clinic, sleep apnea is considered a serious medical condition. The drop in blood oxygen that occurs as a result of breathing cessation can lead to increased blood pressure and excess strain on the cardiovascular system. This can increase your risk of stroke and heart failure. Sleep apnea can also present a problem if you need some type of medical surgery. Those with sleep apnea are at an increased risk of experiencing breathing problems when under general anesthesia.
