Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which breathing stops in intervals that may last from 10 seconds to a minute or longer. Such “apneic events” may occur as frequently as 60 times an hour. During these sleep events, air exchange may be impaired, and blood oxygen levels drop and carbon dioxide levels rise. The body responds with a loud snort or gasp. This repeated on again, off again, supply of oxygen to the body during sleep puts a great deal of strain on the heart and blood vessels. In addition, the patient arouses from REM stage of sleep (without actually awakening). Chronic depravation of REM sleep causes daytime sleepiness, which can be severe and dangerous; in fact, a large percentage of people who fall asleep while driving have obstructive sleep apnea.
There are two types of sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common form and is related to an obstruction in the upper airway during sleep. It occurs when the soft issue in the rear of the throat collapses and closes during sleep, or when a physical structure, such as larger-than-average tonsils, blocks the airway. Central sleep apnea is more rare sleep disorder and occurs when the brain does not tell the body to breathe during sleep.
People with sleep disorders like obstructive and central sleep apnea snore loudly and snort; however, only one in 10 people who snore have sleep apnea. Other symptoms include restless sleep, daytime lethargy, headaches, trouble concentrating, irritability, forgetfulness, moodiness, anxiety, depression, impotency, obesity and daytime sleepiness.
How is sleep apnea treated?
Cleveland Clinic's pulmonologists work with neurologists and otolaryngologists (ear, nose and throat specialists) to diagnose and treat sleep apnea and other sleep disorders. The diagnosis is easily confirmed during an overnight stay in the Clinic’s Sleep Lab, where round-the-clock EEG and video monitoring produce a clear picture of brain waves and sleep patterns. Once the diagnosis of sleep apnea is made, appropriate treatment is recommended and may include surgery to remove excess tissue from the back of the nose and mouth area, use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) at night and weight loss.
Find more detailed information on sleep apnea.
Make an appointment to discuss your sleep apnea now. Or call 216.444.6503 or 800.223.2273 Ext. 46503 to schedule an appointment with a sleep disorders specialist in Cleveland Clinic’s Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine.
