Greek “apnea” from the name of this infirmity means “without breath”, so brief definition sounds like “interruptions of breathing during sleep”. The cause determines the type of sleep apnea: central, obstructive or mixed.

Central sleep apnea is rare form occurring as a result of improper function of the brain part that controls sleep. This type could be induced by high elevations or use of respiratory depressants like heroin or morphine.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is an airway blocking by some tissue. Causes of this obstruction may be different: 1. relaxation of soft tissue in the back of the throat 2. large amount of fatty tissue in the throat 3. very large tongue, adenoids or tonsils 4. narrow throat A group of risk for OSA includes heavy smokers and drinkers, overweight individuals, people with severe heartburn, acid reflux or other health problems. Besides it’s believed that men have narrower airways than women, therefore sex should also be considered as one of the factors.

Usual apnea lasts for 10-30 seconds and is characterized by AHI – apnea hypopnea index – the number of events per hour. AHI less than 5 is considering as normal, from 5 to 15 – mild, 15-30 – moderate, more than 30 – severe. Sleep apnea could be diagnosed mostly by indirect symptoms or by patient’s bed partner inasmuch as sufferer in the most of cases is not aware of these events. Alarm signs are: loud snoring followed by silent pauses, restless sleep, a dry mouth or confusion upon awakening, excessive perspiring during sleep, insomnia, morning headaches, and excessive daytime sleepiness. Untreated sleep apnea leads to mood or behavioral changes, trouble concentrating, forgetfulness, increased frequency of urination, weight gain, lowered sex drive or lethargy.

The disease is associated with reduction in blood oxygen saturation and shortening of deep sleep phases that may produce hypertension & other cardiovascular problems, asphyxia, sudden infant death syndrome, type II diabetes and premature death.

Polysomnography is a diagnostic tool used for monitoring brain waves, muscle tension, eye movement, respiration, oxygen level in the blood during sleep. It can ascertain presence, type and stage of sleep apnea.

Treatment varies depending on individual’s medical history and on severity of disorder. Usually it starts from lifestyle changes (avoiding alcohol, loosing weight, quitting smoking, stabilizing sleeping hours, etc.), using of special pillows or devices for sleeping on side, and in the worst case ends with surgical procedures to remove tissue and widen the airway (tracheostomy, turbinectomy, tonsinectomy, adenoidectomy).

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The most common device for sleep apnea sufferers is CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) – a face mask with a tube that blows pressurized air.

Pharmaceutical medications are not much efficient in this case and usually not go beyond alleviating disease complications with CNS stimulants and antidepressants.

Advanced method of sleep apnea care is radio frequency procedure. It uses radio waves to shrink the tissue in the throat or tongue that makes more space in the throat.

Frequent daytime falling asleep makes this disease life threatening especially if you are driving, fishing or operating with complicated mechanisms and so needs timely diagnostics and proper care.

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