A condition related to heavy snoring, with prolonged respiratory pauses leading to cerebral hypoxia and subsequent daytime drowsiness.
The cessation of breathing for ten seconds or more during sleep. It affects around 5 per cent of adults and it is markedly more common in men, especially if they are obese; it may occur as frequently as 400 times per night. It can be due to a failure of the physiological drive to breathe, initiated in the brain-stem (central sleep apnoeas), but is more often due to a transient obstruction of the airway between the level of the soft palate and the larynx (obstructive sleep apnoeas), when the airway dilator muscles over-relax. Any factor such as alcohol or sedative drugs that accentuates this, or that makes the airway narrower (such as obesity or large tonsil) will tend to cause sleep apnoeas.
A condition in which breathing halts intermittently for durations of 10 seconds or more while sleeping. Those affected might not realize the issue at night but could experience daytime drowsiness, along with difficulties in memory and focus. Severe sleep apnea carries potential seriousness, potentially contributing to hypertension, heart failure, myocardial infarction (heart attack), or stroke.
The prevailing type is obstructive sleep apnea, which can impact anyone, though it tends to be more prevalent in middle-aged men, particularly those who are overweight. The primary factor often involves excessive relaxation of the soft palate muscles. Enlarged tonsils or adenoids can also be potential contributors. These issues lead to airway obstruction and consequently, snoring. When an absolute blockage arises, breathing ceases, prompting the brain to reactivate the breathing process; this can lead to gasping and momentary awakenings.
Central sleep apnea involves interruptions in breathing caused by temporary inactivity of the chest muscles and diaphragm, likely stemming from a disruption in the brain’s respiratory control. Potential triggers encompass diaphragm paralysis and anomalies in the brainstem, the region regulating breathing. Notably, snoring isn’t a primary characteristic of this condition.
Individuals who are overweight might discover that shedding excess pounds can be beneficial. Conversely, alcohol and sleep-inducing medications can exacerbate sleep apnea. One approach to treatment involves using a mask over the nose to deliver air from a compressor, forcing it into the airway. In some cases, nighttime mechanical ventilation might be necessary. Surgical procedures like tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy, or interventions on the soft palate could also be considered.