Central sleep apnea occurs because your brain doesn’t
send proper signals
to the muscles that control your breathing. This condition is different from obstructive sleep apnea, in which you can’t breathe normally because of upper airway obstruction.
What is the most common cause of obstructive sleep apnea?
In adults, the most common cause of obstructive sleep apnea is
excess weight and obesity
, which is associated with the soft tissue of the mouth and throat. During sleep, when throat and tongue muscles are more relaxed, this soft tissue can cause the airway to become blocked.
What is the difference between sleep apnea and obstructive sleep apnea?
Central sleep apnea occurs because your brain doesn’t
send proper signals
to the muscles that control your breathing. This condition is different from obstructive sleep apnea, in which you can’t breathe normally because of upper airway obstruction.
What qualifies as obstructive sleep apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the muscles that support the soft tissues in your throat, such as your tongue and soft palate,
temporarily relax
. When these muscles relax, your airway is narrowed or closed, and breathing is momentarily cut off.
Why is obstructive sleep apnea bad?
Having obstructive sleep apnea
increases your risk of high blood pressure (hypertension)
. Obstructive sleep apnea might also increase your risk of recurrent heart attack, stroke and abnormal heartbeats, such as atrial fibrillation.
What are the 3 types of sleep apnea?
There Are 3 Types of Sleep Apnea. Here are the key differences between
obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea, and complex sleep apnea
.
Can sleep apnea go away if I lose weight?
If overweight and obese people lose weight, it would make
both sleep apnea
and other health problems [such as heart disease] go away. Losing just 10% of body weight can have a big effect on sleep apnea symptoms. In some cases, losing a significant amount of weight can even cure the condition.
Can I test myself for sleep apnea?
Self-evaluation
can be the first step to getting diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea.
Can sleep apnea be caused by stress?
As with most medical conditions linked to sleep apnea, the
connection between stress and sleep apnea is mostly indirect
, and it varies from person to person. For instance, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been linked to sleep apnea.
What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?
- Snoring.
- Daytime sleepiness or fatigue.
- Restlessness during sleep, frequent nighttime awakenings.
- Sudden awakenings with a sensation of gasping or choking.
- Dry mouth or sore throat upon awakening.
- Cognitive impairment, such as trouble concentrating, forgetfulness or irritability.
Can a person with sleep apnea get disability?
The Social Security Administration (SSA)
no longer has a disability listing for sleep apnea
, but it does have listings for breathing disorders, heart problems, and mental deficits. If you meet the criteria of one of the listings due to your sleep apnea, you would automatically qualify for disability benefits.
What does sleep apnea look like?
Sleep Apnea Signs:
Snoring, Gasping, Sleepiness
Loud, persistent snoring. Pauses in breathing, accompanied with gasping episodes when sleeping. Excessive sleepiness during waking hours.
How many apneas per hour is severe?
Obstructive sleep apnea is classified by severity: Severe obstructive sleep apnea means that your
AHI is greater than 30 (more than 30 episodes per hour)
Moderate obstructive sleep apnea means that your AHI is between 15 and 30. Mild obstructive sleep apnea means that your AHI is between 5 and 15.
What is the life expectancy of someone with sleep apnea?
If left untreated, obstructive sleep apnea can shorten your life from anywhere
between 12-15 years
. While there is no permanent cure for obstructive sleep apnea, proper diagnosis and treatment is necessary to alleviate its effects and to ensure that your OSA won’t shorten your life.
What is the best position to sleep with sleep apnea?
Side sleeping
is the preferred position for helping calm your sleep apnea. Sleeping on your right side reduces snoring and encourages blood flow.
What are the bad side effects of the using the CPAP machine?
- The wrong size or style CPAP mask. …
- Trouble getting used to wearing the CPAP device. …
- Difficulty tolerating forced air. …
- Dry, stuffy nose. …
- Feeling claustrophobic. …
- Leaky mask, skin irritation or pressure sores. …
- Difficulty falling asleep. …
- Dry mouth.
