Sleep Apnea Test
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a type of sleep-related breathing disorder, a group of sleep disorders characterized by abnormal breathing patterns during sleep. People with sleep apnea repeatedly have reductions or pauses in breathing for brief periods while they sleep. Although these lapses cause a person to awaken periodically and reduce sleep quality, sleepers may not fully wake up and remain unaware that their nighttime breathing is abnormal.
Types of Sleep Apnea
There are two types of sleep apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common type of sleep apnea. OSA occurs when the airway at the back of the throat becomes constricted or blocked during sleep, which may cause snoring as air is prevented from passing through normally. In response to the airway obstruction, a person usually wakes up, engages the muscles in their throat, and takes several gasps or deep breaths, often accompanied by sounds like snorting or choking.
Central sleep apnea
Central sleep apnea (CSA) involves disruption in the communication between the brain and the muscles that control breathing. For people with CSA, a part of the brain called the brain stem fails to properly recognize carbon dioxide levels in the body during sleep. This leads to repeated episodes of breathing that is slower and shallower than it should be.The prevalence of central sleep apnea is low compared to obstructive sleep apnea.
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Symptoms of sleep apnea
The symptoms of obstructive and central sleep apneas overlap, sometimes making it difficult to determine which type you have. The most common symptoms of obstructive and central sleep apneas include:
- Excessive daytime sleepiness.
- Loud snoring.
- Observed episodes of stopped breathing during sleep.
- Waking during the night and gasping or choking.
- Awakening in the morning with a dry mouth or sore throat.
- Morning headaches.
- Trouble focusing during the day.
- Mood changes, such as depression or being easily upset.
- High blood pressure.
- Decreased interest in sex.
Risk factors
Sleep apnea can affect anyone, even children. But certain factors increase your risk.
- Obesity: Excess weight is a major risk factor, particularly fat deposits around the upper airway.
- Neck Circumference: A thicker neck may have a narrower airway, increasing the likelihood of obstruction.
- Age: Sleep apnea is more common in older adults.
- Gender: Men are more likely to develop sleep apnea than women, although the risk increases in women after menopause.
- Narrowed Airway: Inherited physical traits like a narrow throat, large tonsils, or large tongue can contribute to obstructed airways.
- Family History: A family history of sleep apnea increases the likelihood of developing the disorder.
- Craniofacial Abnormalities: Structural issues like an overbite or small lower jaw can narrow the airway.
- Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol relaxes the muscles in your throat, which can worsen obstructive sleep apnea.
- Smoking: Smoking increases inflammation and fluid retention in the upper airway.
- Sedative Use: Medications that relax muscles, such as sedatives or tranquilizers, can exacerbate sleep apnea.
Polysomnography, known as a sleep study is a non-invasive, painless test used to diagnose sleep disorders. This test records your brain waves, the oxygen level in your blood, and your heart rate and breathing during sleep. It also measures eye and leg movements. A sleep study may be done at a sleep Lab within a hospital or at your home comforts. The test is usually performed at night for a duration of 6-8 hours. In addition to diagnosis, a sleep study might help determine a treatment plan if you've been diagnosed with a sleep disorder. It also might be used to adjust your treatment.
