When asked about their sleeping habits, many people will answer "I can't remember the last time I had a really good sleep." They are probably the ones with obstructive sleep apnea. (Yes, they may also be new parents, but that's for another time.)
Sleep apnea is not an unfamiliar topic, but do we know enough about it? It's not just a joke about not sleeping well. Sleep apnea can have significant effects on health including a higher risk of heart attack, stroke and high blood pressure. And sufferers are seven times more likely to have a motor vehicle accident. Is it serious yet?
Obstructive sleep apnea is a serious breathing problem that interrupts your sleep. While it is generally under-diagnosed, once identified it is usually treated quite easily. The process is simple but results in short pauses in breathing that can last from 10 to 30 seconds and may occur dozens, even hundreds, of times per night.
The cycle begins with sound sleep and normal breathing. As the airway narrows and begins to close, the person begins to snore. Next, as the airway closes off completely, no air reaches the lungs and you stop breathing. Though the brain is telling you to breathe, the closed airway makes that impossible. When the brain realizes you have not been breathing it jolts you awake to take a breath and you take in a big gasp of air and start breathing again. But you were awakened at least slightly. With the cycle continuing throughout the night, it is no wonder the next day is a sleepy one.
There are two main symptoms that suggest there may be a sleeping problem. One is that you are very sleepy during the day, but you don't know why. Another is that you snore while sleeping. There are also some risk factors that could make you more prone to sleep apnea.
Obesity is one particular risk factor, along with having a very large neck (more than 17 inches for men; 16 inches for women). Family history can also contribute, as can being male or over 40 years old. In combination, these factors can increase the risk significantly.
The best treatment for obstructive sleep apnea is continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP. For mild and moderate sleep apnea, this treatment is a good choice; for severe cases, it is the only effective treatment. CPAP is delivered via a breathing mask worn over the mouth and nose while you sleep. It prevents the collapse of the airway by delivering air continuously.
Other options can include making lifestyle changes like losing weight and avoiding alcohol and sedatives. In some cases, a dental appliance that fits over your teeth and is worn at night can help. Learning to sleep on your side is also helpful.
Getting a good night's sleep is necessary for good health. Sleep allows your body to rest and recover. Without it, health suffers and can lead to long term problems.
Dr. Paul Martiquet is the Medical Health Officer for Rural Vancouver Coastal Health the Sea to Sky.
