Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a common, but often underdiagnosed condition. Obstructive Sleep Apnea, or OSA, is a sleep disorder that significantly impacts overall health and well-being; however, it’s manageable with the right approach.

What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a condition in which a person’s breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. The "obstructive" aspect refers to the physical blockage of the upper airway, which happens when the muscles at the back of a person’s throat relax too much during sleep, leading to a temporary collapse of the airway. This causes the body to struggle to get enough oxygen, causing the brain to signal the body to wake up briefly to reopen the airway, often without the person being fully aware. These interruptions can happen hundreds of times a night, leading to poor-quality sleep and a range of symptoms during the day.

Symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

• Loud snoring: This is one of the most recognizable signs, although not everyone who snores has OSA.
• Frequent gasping or choking during sleep: This is a direct result of airway obstruction.
• Excessive daytime sleepiness: Because your sleep is interrupted so often, you might feel constantly tired, even after a full night’s rest.
• Difficulty concentrating: Cognitive function can be impaired due to the lack of restorative sleep.
• Morning headaches: These can occur because of low oxygen levels during the night.
• Irritability or mood changes: Chronic sleep deprivation impacts mental health, contributing to feelings of frustration or depression.

If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, it’s a good idea to consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

Risk Factors for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

There are several risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing OSA, including:  

• Obesity: This is one of the most significant risk factors. Extra weight, especially around the neck, can put pressure on the airway, making the airway more likely to collapse during sleep.
• Age: OSA likelihood increases as people get older, especially after the age of 40.
• Gender: Men are more likely to develop OSA than women, although the risk for women increases post-menopause.
• Family history: Genetics play a role in OSA. If you have family members with OSA, you may be at higher risk for the condition.
• Anatomical factors: Conditions like enlarged tonsils, a thick neck, or a small jaw can contribute to airway obstruction.
• Other medical conditions: High blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and smoking can increase the risk of OSA.

Diagnosing Obstructive Sleep Apnea

If you suspect you have OSA, it is recommended that you visit your primary care provider for further evaluation. Your provider will take a detailed medical history and assess your symptoms. Based on your symptoms and risk factors, they may recommend a sleep study, also called a polysomnography.

A sleep study can be done in a hospital, sleep center, or through an at-home sleep study. During a sleep study, sensors are placed on your body to monitor your brain activity, heart rate, breathing patterns, and oxygen levels while you sleep. The results help determine the severity of the OSA and guide treatment decisions.

Mild OSA means you experience less frequent interruptions in breathing, while severe OSA means these events are happening more than 30 times per hour. The severity of the condition will help your provider decide on treatment options.

Treatment Options for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

There are several effective treatment options for OSA, and your provider’s approach will depend on the severity of the condition and individual factors.

Lifestyle Modifications might include:

• Weight loss: For overweight or obese patients, losing weight can help reduce the pressure on the airway and improve symptoms.
• Positional therapy: Some people only experience OSA when sleeping on their back. Sleeping on your side can help alleviate the airway obstruction.
• Avoiding alcohol and sedatives: These can relax the muscles in the throat, worsening the obstruction.
• Quitting smoking: Smoking can contribute to inflammation and fluid retention in the airways.

Medical Devices and Surgical Interventions

The most common and effective treatment for moderate to severe OSA is the Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine. It works by delivering a constant flow of air through a mask that keeps the airway open while you sleep. With time, many people find significant relief from their symptoms and improved sleep quality.

For milder cases, a dentist can fit a mandibular advancement device that helps reposition the jaw to keep the airway open. This is especially helpful for people whose OSA is related to jaw alignment or tongue position.

In some cases, surgery may be necessary if other treatments don’t work.

If left untreated, OSA can have serious long-term consequences. Repeated oxygen deprivation and poor sleep quality can contribute to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, Afib and even accidents due to daytime sleepiness. OSA has also been linked to cognitive decline and mood disorders. However, with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, the risks associated with OSA can be significantly reduced.

OSA is a serious, but treatable, condition. If you recognize symptoms in you or a loved one, don’t ignore them. Being evaluated early on can make a huge difference in preventing complications and improving quality of life.

Raheel Qureshi, MD, is accepting patients at White River Health Internal Medicine. To schedule an appointment, call 870-262-1510.