Opinion Article, J Sleep Disor Treat Care Vol: 12 Issue: 4

Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea to Enhance Breathing and Sleep

Schulz Oreste^*

¹Department of Internal Medicine, Eastern Virginia Medical University, Norfolk, Veterans Affairs, United States of America

*Corresponding Author: Schulz Oreste,
Department of Internal Medicine, Eastern Virginia Medical University, Norfolk, Veterans Affairs, United States of America
E-mail: schuores@evmu.edu

Received date: 24 July, 2023, Manuscript No. JSDTC-23-114456;

Editor assigned date: 27 July, 2023, PreQC No. JSDTC-23-114456 (PQ);

Reviewed date: 10 August, 2023, QC No. JSDTC-23-114456;

Revised date: 17 August, 2023, Manuscript No. JSDTC-23-114456 (R);

Published date: 24 August, 2023, DOI: 10.4172/2325-9639.23.12.140

Citation: Oreste S (2023) Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea to Enhance Breathing and Sleep. J Sleep Disor: Treat Care 12:4.

Description

Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. These interruptions, known as apneas, can significantly disrupt a person's sleep and overall wellbeing. While sleep apnea may seem like a mere inconvenience, its consequences can be far-reaching, impacting not only the quality of one's sleep but also their daytime functioning, cardiovascular health and overall quality of life.

There are three main types of sleep apnea: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), Central Sleep Apnea (CSA) and complex sleep apnea syndrome (also known as treatment-emergent central sleep apnea). OSA is the most common form and occurs when the throat muscles relax excessively during sleep, blocking the airway.

The causes of sleep apnea can be multifactorial. OSA is often linked to obesity, anatomical factors (like a narrow airway) or lifestyle factors such as smoking and alcohol consumption. CSA is typically associated with underlying medical conditions affecting the central nervous system, such as heart failure or stroke.

Common symptoms of sleep apnea include loud snoring, gasping for air during sleep, abrupt awakenings accompanied by choking or a sensation of breathlessness, excessive daytime sleepiness and difficulty concentrating. Partners or family members may notice these symptoms in the affected individual.

Sleep apnea poses a significant threat to healthy breathing patterns during sleep. In OSA, the relaxation of throat muscles leads to airway obstruction, causing a drop in blood oxygen levels. The brain senses the lack of oxygen and briefly rouses the individual from deep sleep to restore normal breathing. This cycle can repeat hundreds of times per night, preventing the affected person from reaching restorative stages of sleep, such as Rapid Eye Movement (REM) and deep sleep. CSA, on the other hand, results from a failure of the brain to signal the muscles responsible for breathing.

Untreated sleep apnea bears significant consequences, notably daytime sleepiness stemming from sleep disruptions, hindering alertness in daily activities. Cognitive functions such as memory and decision-making may become impaired, impacting work and daily life. Sleep apnea also heightens cardiovascular risks, correlating with conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and arrhythmias. Metabolic disturbances, including insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, are linked to this condition. A compromised quality of life often accompanies untreated sleep apnea due to chronic fatigue and mood disturbances.

Treatment approaches for sleep apnea encompass various strategies customized for the severity of the condition. Lifestyle adjustments, such as weight management, alcohol and sedative avoidance, smoking cessation and positional changes, can benefit mild cases. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy stands as the primary treatment for moderate to severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) offers an alternative with two pressure levels, useful for complex cases. Oral appliances, resembling sports mouth guards, suit mild to moderate OSA and CPAP-intolerant individuals. Surgical interventions, like Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) or Maxillomandibular Advancement (MMA), target anatomical correction. Additionally, Adaptive Servo-Ventilation (ASV) adapts airway pressure for Central Sleep Apnea (CSA) and specific complex cases.

Conclusion

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that can have far-reaching consequences on both breathing and overall health. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of sleep apnea and seeking timely treatment is important for improving sleep quality, enhancing breathing and preventing associated health risks. With a range of treatment options available, individuals with sleep apnea can take steps toward better breathing and more restful sleep, ultimately leading to an improved quality of life.