Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that causes you to stop breathing during sleep. The condition impacts more than 936 million people worldwide – nearly 10 times more than previous estimates.
As sleep apnea can be life-threatening if untreated, it is important to understand its signs and symptoms and consult your doctor if you think you might have it. Treating sleep apnea with a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine can help you get the rest you need and take back control of your life.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which the muscles in the throat relax to the point of collapse, restricting airflow. This causes breathing to become shallow and even stop for seconds or minutes at a time, depriving the body and brain of oxygen.
There are various types of sleep apnea:
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): This is one of the more common forms of sleep apnea, which occurs when the throat muscles relax excessively and block air flow into the lungs. Consequently, the body doesn’t get the oxygen it needs to function properly.
- Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): This type of sleep apnea results when the brain fails to send the proper signals to the muscles that control breathing.
- Complex/Mixed Sleep Apnea: Also known as treatment-emergent central sleep apnea, this occurs when someone who has been diagnosed with OSA converts to CSA while receiving therapy for OSA.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
- Loud snoring, choking, or gasping during sleep
- Daytime sleepiness and difficulty concentrating
- Morning headaches
What Causes Sleep Apnea?
- Physical factors: Age, obesity, neck circumference, and propensity for nasal congestion
- Lifestyle habits: Smoking, alcohol consumption, and sleep posture.
- Genetic factors: Family and medical history of sleep apnea.
Why is Sleep Apnea a Concern?
Untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious health issues in the long term, such as hypertension, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and an increased risk of accidents due to daytime sleepiness.
Risks of Untreated Sleep Apnea
Most people with sleep apnea are unaware they have it. However, the lack of deep sleep can cause significant fatigue and increase the risk of developing serious health problems in the long run.
For example, cardiovascular problems and high blood pressure are complications that may arise from untreated sleep apnea.
How Is Sleep Apnea Diagnosed?
The most common way for sleep apnea to be diagnosed is with a sleep test ordered by your physician. The test can be done either overnight in a sleep lab or through a home sleep test.
Additionally, your physical evaluation and medical history will be taken into account.
Contact us to get your sleep tested with us at The Listening Lab in Malaysia.
Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea
Depending on the severity of your sleep apnea, here are some treatment options that your healthcare provider in Malaysia might explore:
- Lifestyle changes: For milder cases of sleep apnea, you may be advised to adopt some lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, refraining from smoking, and changing your sleeping positions.
- CPAP therapy: The continuous positive airway pressure machine delivers a constant stream of air through a mask to keep the airways open during sleep.
- Oral appliances: These devices are designed to open your throat by bringing your jaw forward, which may help to relieve snoring and mild OSA.
- Medication: Some medications, such as acetazolamides, may be prescribed to help you manage your breathing.
- Surgery: Surgical procedures are usually the last resort if other treatments are unsuccessful. They may involve tissue removal, jaw repositioning, and implants, among others, which aim to improve air flow into the respiratory system.
What is CPAP Therapy and What are Its Benefits
CPAP therapy involves using a continuous positive airway pressure machine that delivers a constant stream of air to keep the airway open during sleep. The device consists of the following components:
- A mask that fits over the nose and mouth
- Straps to secure the mask over the face
- A tube that connects the mask to the machine’s motor
- A motor that blows air into the tube
- An air filter that purifies the air before it enters the nose or mouth
This treatment option has been shown to help ease common symptoms and improve energy levels, productivity and overall mind-body wellness.
How Does CPAP Therapy Prevent Sleep Apnea?
While adjusting to using a CPAP machine may take some time, with the correct settings and mask fit, individuals can achieve optimal results. Regular follow-ups and adjustments may be needed to address any issues and enhance the overall effectiveness of the therapy.
Maintains Open Airway
The primary function of a CPAP machine is to keep the airway open during sleep. In individuals with sleep apnea, the muscles in the throat relax excessively, leading to a collapse or partial blockage of the airway. In turn, the CPAP machine delivers a continuous stream of air through a mask to prevent the airway from collapsing.
Increases Air Pressure
The CPAP machine provides a constant and steady flow of air at a prescribed pressure level. This pressure acts as a pneumatic splint, preventing the collapse of the throat tissues and maintaining an open airway.
Eliminates Snoring
Snoring is a common symptom of sleep apnea. The CPAP machine helps eliminate or significantly reduce snoring by preventing the vibration of the relaxed throat tissues.
Maintains Oxygen Levels
By keeping the airway open, the CPAP machine ensures a consistent flow of oxygen into the lungs. This helps maintain adequate oxygen levels in the blood, preventing drops in oxygen saturation that can occur during apnea events.
Improves Sleep Quality
With the continuous positive airway pressure, individuals using a CPAP machine experience improved sleep quality. By preventing interruptions in breathing, it allows for more consistent and deeper sleep cycles.
Reduces Daytime Sleepiness
One of the consequences of untreated sleep apnea is excessive daytime sleepiness. With the improved sleep quality from the CPAP machine, individuals generally enjoy better-rested nights and reduced daytime sleepiness.
Enhances Cognitive Function
Adequate and quality sleep is essential for cognitive function. By addressing sleep apnea, the CPAP machine contributes to improved concentration, memory, and overall cognitive performance.
Enhances Mood
Sleep apnea can contribute to mood disturbances and irritability. Treating sleep apnea with a CPAP machine can lead to improved mood and a better overall sense of well-being.
Reduces the Risk of Health Complications
Effective treatment with a CPAP machine can reduce the risk of health complications associated with untreated sleep apnea, such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.
Can Sleep Apnea Be Cured?
In many cases, lifestyle changes and treatments can effectively manage sleep apnea, but they may not completely cure the condition.
For example, while children may be able to benefit from surgical treatment as their bodies are still developing, adults may require other interventions to manage the symptoms due to the permanent nature of their airway anatomy.
Therefore, continuous management and sustained lifestyle modifications are necessary to manage the condition over the long term.
Why Choose The Listening Lab for Your Sleep Apnea Needs?
With the right interventions, you can significantly improve your sleep quality and overall well-being. Therefore, if you're struggling with sleep apnea, take the first step towards better sleep by booking a sleep test at The Listening Lab Malaysia.
In addition to our hearing specialist team, we have a team of experienced healthcare professionals who are passionate about enhancing lives through better sleep solutions. They will provide expert consultations and guide you through the sleep testing process. With our range of treatment options at reasonable prices, such as top-quality CPAP machines and personalised plans, we are committed to helping you improve your overall quality of life.
