Sleep Apnea
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.
AMBULATORY CARE:
Sleep apnea
is a condition that causes you to stop breathing often during sleep.
Types of sleep apnea:
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common kind. The muscles and tissues around your throat relax and block air from passing through. Obesity, use of alcohol or cigarettes, or a family history are common causes. OSA may increase your risk for complications after surgery.
- Central sleep apnea (CSA) means your brain does not send signals to the muscles that control breathing. You do not take a breath even though your airway is open. Common causes include medical conditions such as heart failure, being older than 40, or use of opioids.
- Complex (or mixed) sleep apnea means you have both obstructive and central sleep apnea.
Common signs and symptoms:
- Loud snoring or long pauses in breathing
- Feeling sleepy, slow, and tired during the day
- Snorting, gasping, or choking while you sleep, and waking up suddenly because of these
- Feeling irritable during the day
- Dry mouth or a headache in the mornings
- Heavy night sweating
- A hard time thinking, remembering things, or focusing on your tasks the following day
Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:
- You have chest pain or trouble breathing.
Call your doctor if:
- You have new or worsening signs or symptoms.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Treatment
depends on the kind of apnea you have.
- A mouth device may be needed if you have mild sleep apnea. These are designed to keep your throat open. Ask your dentist or healthcare provider about the best mouth device for you.
- A machine may be used to help you get more air during sleep. A mask may be placed over your nose and mouth, or just your nose. The mask is hooked to the machine. You will get air through the mask.
- A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine is used to keep your airway open during sleep. The machine blows a gentle stream of air into the mask when you breathe. This helps keep your airway open so you can breathe more regularly. Extra oxygen may be given through the machine.
- A bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) machine gives air but lowers the pressure when you breathe out.
- An adaptive servo-ventilator (ASV) is a machine that learns your usual breathing pattern. Then, it uses pressure to give you air and prevent stops in your breathing.
- A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine is used to keep your airway open during sleep. The machine blows a gentle stream of air into the mask when you breathe. This helps keep your airway open so you can breathe more regularly. Extra oxygen may be given through the machine.
- Surgery to expand your airway or remove extra tissues may be needed. Surgery is usually only considered if other treatments do not work.
Manage or prevent sleep apnea:
- Reach and maintain a healthy weight. Ask your healthcare provider what a healthy weight is for you. Ask your provider to help you create a safe weight loss plan if you are overweight. Even a small goal of a 10% weight loss can improve your symptoms.
- Do not smoke. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes and cigars can cause lung damage. Ask your healthcare provider for information if you currently smoke and need help to quit. E-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Talk to your healthcare provider before you use these products.
- Do not drink alcohol or take sedative medicine before you go to sleep. Alcohol and sedatives can relax the muscles and tissues around your throat. This can block the airflow to your lungs.
- Sleep on your side or use pillows designed to prevent sleep apnea. This prevents your tongue or other tissues from blocking your throat. You can also raise the head of your bed.
Follow up with your doctor or specialist as directed:
You may need to have blood tests during your follow-up visits. Work with your provider to find the right breathing support equipment and settings for you. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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Symptoms and treatments
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