All About Sleep Apnea
Most people know how important sleep is for energy, concentration, and mood, but only some know that getting enough sleep is critical to our metabolic health.
Not getting enough good-quality sleep can elevate our appetite hormones and activate areas of the brain associated with pleasure from high-fat foods, making it difficult to choose healthier options. Not getting enough good-quality sleep impedes our body's ability to process glucose, leading to blood sugar spikes. This results in elevated risk for various metabolic diseases such as obesity, insulin resistance, and the progression of MASLD.
Sleep apnea, a sleep disorder characterized by interruptions in breathing during sleep, is a common yet underdiagnosed cause of poor-quality sleep.
What are the types of sleep apnea?
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): This is the most common type of sleep apnea and occurs when muscles in the throat relax excessively, causing the airway to narrow or close. When the airway is blocked, the person's breathing temporarily stops or becomes shallow. Eventually, the brain detects the drop in oxygen levels and briefly wakes the individual up (often only for a few moments), prompting them to take a deep breath and reopen the airway. These awakenings are usually so brief that most people with OSA are unaware of them. This cycle repeats throughout the night, and results in disrupted sleep.
- Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): CSA is less common than OSA and involves a different mechanism. In CSA, the brain doesn't send the proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. As a result, the person temporarily stops breathing. Unlike OSA, CSA is not typically associated with snoring or obstructed airways. It often occurs in individuals with certain medical conditions, such as heart failure or neurological disorders.
- Mixed Sleep Apnea: Some people may have features of central and obstructive sleep apnea, known as mixed sleep apnea. This type can be more challenging to diagnose and treat.
Sleep apnea can have a range of signs and symptoms, but it's important to note that not everyone with it will experience all these symptoms. Additionally, some of these signs can also be indicative of other health issues.
What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?
- Loud and persistent snoring
- Frequent awakening during the night to urinate
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Morning headaches.
- Difficulty concentrating or memory problems
- Irritability and/or mood changes
- Dry mouth or a sore throat upon waking
- High blood pressure.
What does treatment look like?
Treatment options for sleep apnea often depend on the severity and type of the condition. Common approaches include lifestyle modifications (such as weight loss and positional therapy), continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, oral appliances, and, in severe cases, surgery to address the anatomical issues contributing to airway obstruction.
If you suspect you have sleep apnea or are experiencing any of these symptoms, it's essential to talk with your doctor for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
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