The Sleep Disorder Behind Your Sleeping Problems

If you’re waking up tired or gasping for air, sleep apnea could be disrupting your rest. This common sleep disorder can lead to serious health issues if untreated. Get the right help today for better sleep tomorrow.

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What is
Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder characterised by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. These interruptions can last from at least ten seconds to minutes and may occur numerous times throughout the night. The most common form is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), which occurs when the upper throat muscles relax excessively, blocking the airway. This condition leads to disrupted sleep patterns, resulting in non-restorative sleep and excessive daytime sleepiness.

Types of
Sleep Apnea

There are three main types of sleep apnea:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): This is the most common type. It occurs when the muscles in the throat relax excessively during sleep, causing a partial or complete blockage of the upper airway. The blockage leads to interrupted breathing and can result in snoring, gasping, or choking sounds during sleep.
Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): Unlike OSA, central sleep apnea occurs when the brain fails to send the proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. This type is less common and often linked to issues with the central nervous system. People with CSA may not have airway blockages but still experience breathing interruptions.
Mixed Sleep Apnea: This type is a combination of both obstructive and central sleep apnea. It occurs when a person has both conditions, typically starting as obstructive sleep apnea and developing central features after using treatments like Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP).

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Risk Factors of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Excess Weight

Obesity, especially when there’s excess fat around the neck, can contribute to airway obstruction.

Age

Sleep apnea is more common in older adults, with the risk increasing as individuals age.

Gender

Men are generally at a higher risk for sleep apnea than women, though the risk for women rises if they are overweight, and it also increases after menopause.

Medical Conditions

Conditions such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, anxiety, depression, and cardiovascular diseases can be associated with a higher risk of sleep apnea.

Family History

A family history of sleep apnea may elevate your risk, suggesting a potential genetic component.

Smoking & Vaping

Smokers are at a higher risk due to the inflammation and fluid retention that smoking can cause in the airway.

Alcohol & Sedative Use

The use of substances that relax the muscles, such as alcohol and certain medications, can contribute to airway collapse.

Nasal Congestion

Conditions that obstruct nasal passages, like a deviated septum or chronic nasal congestion, may increase the risk.

Sleep Position

Sleeping on your back may increase the likelihood of airway obstruction compared to sleeping on your side.

How it works

Tailored sleep care that works, for you

A comprehensive sleep apnea test
and program based on your
sleep pattern assessment

Step 1: Sleep Study At Home

Establish a precise baseline of your sleep pattern
& incidence of apneas [stoppage of breathing]
at night to screen for your sleep disorder

Step 3: Our Sleep Apnea Program

Follow-up sessions with sleep therapists
to address contributing factors like
weight, diet, & lifestyle management

Step 2: Personalised Plan

Receive tailored insights to manage your
sleep disorder along with a personalised
lifestyle plan by an experienced sleep physician

Step 4: Monitoring with Sleep Coach

Continued Monitoring with monthly check-ins
and regular tests to track progress and
effectiveness of the sleep apnea solutions

Causes of
Sleep Apnea

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

OSA is primarily caused by physical blockages in the airway during sleep. Key factors include:

Obesity: Excess weight, particularly around the neck, can compress the airway, leading to obstruction during sleep.
Anatomical Features: Certain anatomical traits, such as a thick neck, enlarged tonsils or adenoids, and a narrow airway, increase the likelihood of airway obstruction.
Age: The risk of OSA increases with age, particularly in individuals over 60.
Sex: Men are more likely to develop OSA than women, although the risk for women increases post-menopause.
Family History: A genetic predisposition may contribute to the risk of developing OSA, as anatomical traits can be inherited.
Smoking: Smoking can lead to inflammation and fluid retention in the upper airway, exacerbating OSA symptoms.
Nasal Congestion: Chronic nasal congestion from allergies or anatomical issues can hinder airflow and increase the risk of OSA.
Alcohol and Sedatives: These substances relax throat muscles, increasing the likelihood of airway collapse during sleep.

Central Sleep Apnea (CSA)

CSA is less common and occurs when the brain fails to send appropriate signals to the muscles that control breathing. Causes include:

Medical Conditions: Heart disorders, strokes, and conditions affecting the brainstem can disrupt normal breathing patterns.
Age: Similar to OSA, older adults are at higher risk for CSA.
Opioid Use: Long-term use of opioid medications can interfere with normal respiratory control

Symptoms of
Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea poses various risks to both your short-term well-being and long-term health. Common risks include:

Primary Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is characterized by a range of symptoms that can significantly affect both nighttime and daytime functioning. Recognizing these symptoms is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment for sleep apnea.

Common Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

Loud Snoring: This is one of the most noticeable signs. Snoring associated with sleep apnea often includes pauses in breathing, followed by gasping or choking sounds as airflow resumes.
Choking or Gasping During Sleep: Individuals may wake up suddenly with a sensation of choking or gasping for air, which can be alarming and disrupt sleep.
Excessive Daytime Sleepiness: Many people with sleep apnea experience significant fatigue during the day, even after a full night’s sleep. This can lead to difficulties in concentration, irritability, and decreased productivity.
Restless Sleep: Frequent awakenings throughout the night and difficulty maintaining sleep can be common. Individuals may toss and turn or feel restless while trying to sleep.
Dry Mouth or Sore Throat: Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat is often due to breathing through the mouth during sleep, which is common in those with obstructive sleep apnea.
Morning Headaches: Some individuals report waking up with headaches that may persist for several hours, potentially linked to poor oxygenation during sleep.
Increased Need to Urinate at Night: Frequent nighttime urination (nocturia) can disrupt sleep and is another symptom associated with sleep apnea

It is advised if you are suffering from any of the above mentioned symptoms , quickly consult sleep experts near you for sleep apnea treatment.

Diagnosing Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is diagnosed through a combination of a health history, physical exam, and sleep studies. The diagnostic process typically involves the following steps:

Health History and Physical Exam
The evaluation starts with a review of the patient’s symptoms, overall health, and risk factors. The doctor will ask about sleep habits, medications, and any family history of sleep disorders for sleep apnea treatment. A physical exam is conducted to detect signs of sleep apnea and identify potential contributing factors.

Sleep Studies
Sleep studies are necessary to confirm a diagnosis of obstructive or central sleep apnea. The two main types of sleep studies are:

Polysomnography (PSG): Also known as an overnight sleep study, this is considered the gold standard for diagnosing sleep apnea problem. It is conducted in a sleep laboratory and involves monitoring various body functions during sleep, including breathing patterns, oxygen levels, heart rate, and brain activity.
Home Sleep Apnea Test (HSAT): For patients with a high likelihood of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea, a home sleep apnea test may be an option. The patient wears a portable device that monitors breathing, oxygen levels, and heart rate while sleeping in their own bed.  The results of the sleep study are used to determine the severity of sleep apnea based on the number of breathing interruptions per hour, known as the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI). In some cases, a split-night sleep study may be performed, where the first half of the night is used for diagnosis and the second half for treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. By undergoing a thorough diagnostic process, individuals can receive an accurate diagnosis and develop an appropriate sleep apnea treatment plan to manage their sleep apnea effectively.

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I was motivated to try RemeSleep when my partner & I realized how much my snoring was affecting our sleep. The tailored sleep study & support from RemeSleep stood out. It’s been six months since I started & I’m sleeping better.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can Sleep Apnea Go Away?

While there is no cure for sleep apnea, symptoms can improve significantly with proper treatment. Lifestyle changes and adherence to prescribed therapies can lead to better management of the condition.

How much does sleep apnea treatment cost in India?

The cost of sleep apnea surgery can vary depending on many factors. Consult sleep experts quickly near you and get the estimated cost for the sleep apnea treatment.

What are the signs of sleep apnea?

Common signs include loud snoring, gasping or choking during sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness, difficulty concentrating, morning headaches, and irritability.

What is the most successful treatment for sleep apnea?

A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine is the most common and most reliable method for treating sleep apnea problem. The CPAP machine pushes a steady stream of air through a mask that you wear while you sleep.

What are the risks of untreated sleep apnea?

Untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious health issues such as uncontrolled high blood pressure, heart attacks, heart disease, sudden deaths, stroke, type 2 diabetes, memory problems, and reduced quality of life. It can also increase the risk of accidents due to daytime fatigue.

What treatments are available for sleep apnea?

Currently the best available option for sleep apnea treatment is CPAP or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. However, in certain limited number of patients the following treatment options can be offered depending on the expert advice of a Sleep specialist.

Treatment options include:
*Lifestyle changes:* Weight loss, quitting smoking, and reducing alcohol consumption.
Oral appliances: Custom-fitted devices to reposition the jaw.
Surgical options: Procedures to remove airway obstructions.
Positional therapy: Encouraging sleeping on the side rather than the back.

Can sleep apnea go away on its own?

In some cases, mild sleep apnea may improve with lifestyle changes like weight loss or addressing contributing factors like allergies. However, moderate to severe sleep apnea typically requires medical treatment and doesn’t resolve on its own.

Can children have sleep apnea?

Yes, children can develop sleep apnea, often due to enlarged tonsils or adenoids, obesity, or underlying medical conditions. Pediatric sleep apnea requires evaluation and treatment by a specialist.

Does sleep apnea get worse over time?

Yes, untreated sleep apnea can worsen due to factors like weight gain or aging, leading to more severe symptoms and greater health risks.

Is sleep apnea linked to other medical conditions?

Yes, it is associated with conditions like hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, depression, and obesity. Sleep apnea can also exacerbate existing health issues.

How long does it take to see improvements in sleep after starting treatment for sleep apnea?

Improvements in sleep quality and daytime alertness can be noticed within a few days to weeks of starting treatment, depending on the method used and adherence to the therapy plan.

Which type of doctor is best for sleep apnea treatment?

Sleep specialists are doctors who diagnose and treat sleep disorders. They typically train in fields such as internal medicine & pulmonology.