Inadequate sleep might be the reason you are finding it to fall asleep at night or not active and attentive at work or home. According to research, people struggling with sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea perform below excellence in all endeavors.

When sleep apnea gets to a severe level, it can expose you to numerous life-threatening health risks, which may cause you to break down totally. On the other hand, good sleep help to restore and recharge your body and retain everything you have learned throughout the day.

Without a doubt, we all need to get good sleep at night. In that light, you may have to do all in your care to make sure you fix whatever problem may want to hinder you from having a good rest at night.

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is a severe sleep disorder that can cause children to stop and start repeatedly breathing when sleeping.

With obstructive or central sleep apnea, the muscles in the upper airway relax while you’re sleeping. That causes your airways to become blocked, keeping you from getting enough air. That may cause you to stop breathing for 10 seconds or more until your reflexes initiate breathing to restart.

You are considered severe obstructive or central sleep apnea if your breathing pauses and restarts more every hour.

The apnea-hypopnea index measures severe obstructive sleep apnea to determine the range from mild to tough using the number of breathing pauses per hour that sleep apnea patients have while sleeping. You can also read more detail about sleep apnea in Australia by clicking here.

What are the common symptoms of severe sleep apnea syndrome?

Your bed partners may notice some symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea before you know. That is why it is good to constantly ask them if they notice any strange symptoms while you are sleeping. The symptoms of obstructive or central sleep apnea that only your bed partner can observe may include loud snoring and episodes of stopped breathing during sleep.

Other symptoms of obstructive or central sleep apnea that may be obvious to both of you include abrupt awakenings from sleep accompanied by choking or gasping, mood changes or irritability, and nighttime sweating.

You may also notice some symptoms personally without knowing your bed partner. Those signs can include difficulty with concentration, daytime sleepiness and memory, dry mouth or sore throat, bad morning headaches

What are the complications that may come with sleep apnea?

Either obstructive or central Sleep apnea can have long-term effects on your health. Untreated obstructive or central sleep apnea left without treatment can have serious consequences, including heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, depression, and diabetes.

There are secondary effects, such as automobile accidents caused by falling asleep at the wheel.

Is sleep apnea a disability?

Professionally, it is not ideal for listing obstructive or central sleep apnea as a disability. However, it has listings for heart problems, breathing disorders, and mental deficits that can be associated with sleep apnea symptoms.

What are the common risk factors for severe sleep apnea?

You are at a higher risk for severe obstructive sleep apnea if:

• You are overweighed: Although anyone can have sleep apnea, obesity is considered the most critical risk factor. A report showed that sleep apnea affects over 20% of people with obesity compared to about 3% of people of moderate weight. According to experts, obstructive sleep apnea can also be caused by conditions associated with obesity.

• You are male: According to researchers, men are 2 to 3 times to have obstructive sleep apnea than premenopausal women. However, the risk is almost the same for men and women.

• You have a case in your family history: You may be at risk of developing sleep apnea If any of your family members have been diagnosed with the sleep disorder before. 

• You are older: People with sleep apnea experience greater health challenges when they grow older. According to experts, obstructive sleep apnea becomes increasingly frequent as you age and plateaus when you are over 65.

• You smoke: Obstructive sleep apnea is common in people who smoke. In addition, smoking promotes sleep disorders and other life-threatening health challenges that may cause people to find it difficult to fall asleep.

• You have medical conditions: Your risk of developing sleep apnea may increase if you are a patient with diabetes, high blood pressure, or asthma.

• You have nasal congestion: Sleep apnea often occurs in people struggling with chronic nasal congestion.

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When should you see your healthcare provider?

Once you begin to observe the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea: it is best to book an appointment with your doctor. The following symptoms may suggest you are a sleep apnea patient: 

• Loud and disruptive snoring
• Ceased breathing at intervals 
• Abruptly waking from sleep due to coughing, gasping, or choking

Your medic may refer you to a sleep specialist with additional training and education in sleep medicine.

What are the remedies for severe sleep apnea?

The remedies for severe obstructive sleep apnea may include making slight changes in your lifestyle and going for therapies and surgeries.

Lifestyle changes

If you have been diagnosed and confirmed as an obstructive sleep apnea patient, your doctor may advise you to make a few changes in your lifestyle, including maintaining a moderate weight, quitting smoking, participating in regular exercise, and reducing alcohol consumption.

Therapy

There are tested and trusted therapies to treat moderate sleep apnea. The most common treatments to treat mild sleep apnea include a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine that operates the air pressure system and an oral device designed to keep the throat open when sleeping.

Surgery

Your doctor may recommend surgery such as UPPP: This procedure removes tissue to create space and free throat muscles, upper airway stimulation, Jaw surgery, tracheostomy, and implants to reduce upper airway collapse.

Final Words

Severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is a serious sleep disorder that can pose tough challenges to your health if you ignore instant treatment. Undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea can have severe and life-threatening consequences. However, you can restore your normal sleep by trying credible treatment options.

Meanwhile, treating sleep apnea is not a stressful task. With the aid of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine and other treatments as prescribed by your doctor, you can sleep conveniently and healthily. 

If you are experiencing any symptoms, make an appointment to see your sleep specialist for a diagnosis and treatment options.

Sleep apnea is among the more common sleep disorders, with rising prevalence in India. So there are chances you haven’t heard much about it but are already experiencing some of its symptoms or effects on your health and lifestyle.

Amazingly, most people struggle with sleep apnea symptoms without knowing it. Research showed that countless sleep apnea patients don’t seek treatment without attempting treatment until the symptoms become aggravated and begin to hinder them from attending to their daily routines. 

Some might not even notice until it finally puts their lives to a halt or results in chronic diseases that can terminate their lives. 

But you don’t have to wait until things get worse before you make the right curative move. A complete understanding of the subject will help you stay healthy and active. To help you genuinely understand sleep apnea, we put together a round-up of some of the most frequently asked questions on sleep apnea. In this article, you can get the answer to how does sleep apnea happen.

Most FAQs on Sleep Apnea With Relevant Answers 

What Causes Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a partial or complete stopping of breathing during sleep. That causes the body to strain harder for blood oxygen and makes the brain send strange signals that jerk the body to wake and resume proper breathing.

It can be caused by over-relaxation of the throat muscles, which blocks the upper airway and prevents air from entering the lungs. It can also be caused by faulty signaling by the brain, which causes intermittent pauses in breath.

What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

OSA – Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a sleep disorder that causes involuntary cessation of breathing during sleep. It is caused by intermittent relaxation of the throat muscles, which block the airway while a person is sleeping. This results in a shallow breath and a brief stoppage of breathing when asleep. The most common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea is loud snoring. As the air squeezes through the narrowed airway, it makes the patient snore loudly.

Obstructive sleep apnea can cause asphyxia, which increases breathing and forces people to awaken from sleep at intervals. Since the upper airway is slightly blocked, the diaphragm and chest muscles must make an extra effort to open the blocked path and force-fill the lungs with air. Nevertheless, it affects the amount of oxygen coming into the body’s vital organs.

That causes the body to wake up, re-open the airflow briefly, and breathing resume with a loud snort or jerk.

What is Central Sleep Apnea?

In Central sleep apnea, breathing stops and starts due to improper signaling from the brain. Although the muscles that control breathing do not over-relax or obstruct the air path, they do not get appropriate signals from the brain, and as a result, breathing is disrupted.

Central sleep apnea may be caused due to medical conditions that affect the brain stem, stroke, and cardiac arrests. It is characterized by Cheyne-Stokes respiration (CSR), where levels of carbon dioxide increase due to the stoppage of breath. It can even occur if a person sleeps at a high altitude or is administered narcotic drugs such as morphine, oxycodone, or codeine.

What are the Early Warning Signs of Sleep Apnea?

Loud snoring is seemingly the most common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea. Indeed, it can be loud enough to disturb the patient and his bed partners. Meanwhile, not everyone who snores heavily suffers from severe obstructive sleep apnea.

The other common signs and symptoms that can indicate obstructive sleep apnea include:

• Excessive drowsiness during the day
• Mood swings
• Lack of concentration
• Waking up gasping or choking
• High blood pressure 
• Swelling in the legs
• Chronic fatigue
• Morning headache
• Depression
• Dry mouth or a sore throat on waking up
• Forgetfulness

What is a CPAP Machine? How Does it Work?

Continuous positive airway pressure therapy is a standard treatment for people with sleep apnea. The therapy includes regular usage of the CPAP device, which prevents your airway from collapsing while asleep. The result? You sleep better, without waking up repeatedly, and also snore less.

The CPAP machine is a small box with a motorized turbine inside. A hose and mask deliver air into your nose and mouth at constant pressure. It has a filter to eliminate the intake of dust, smoke, or other impurities in the air. It also has a humidification chamber that warms the water to humidify the pressurized air before it is delivered.

What Is the Most Effective Device for Sleep Apnea?

The CPAP machine is the best device for treating sleep apnea. It provides Continuous Positive Airway Pressure to keep your airway open, allowing you to breathe easily without obstruction. Oral appliances are an excellent alternative for patients who cannot afford or tolerate CPAP.  

What are the Types of Sleep Apnea Devices?

CPAP, APAP, BiPAP machines, positional therapy pillows, EPAP masks, oral appliances, and hypoglossal nerve stimulators are the most popularly recommended and effective devices for treating severe obstructive sleep apnea. 

What Is the most advanced Technology for Sleep Apnea?

Although scientists are always up to something when it comes to medical treatments, Upper Airway Stimulation remains the latest solution for people with sleep apnea. UAS devices can treat sleep apnea because it stimulates the throat muscles to keep it from collapsing into the airway.

Which Is Better between CPAP machine and Oral Appliance?

CPAP therapy is the standard for treating obstructive sleep apnea. However, oral appliances are becoming more recommended and have been proven to be as effective as CPAP machines for certain people in exceptional cases. Consult with your sleep specialist to help you decide which is better. 

How Much Can I get an Oral Appliance for Sleep Apnea?

Oral appliances for treating sleep apnea cost between $1,200 and $2,000, including the visits for fitting. Although you can get some low-budget anti-snoring devices for $200 or below, they are not recommended for treating severe sleep apnea. 

Can Sleep Apnea Be Treated Naturally?

Natural curative measures such as lifestyle changes such as losing weight, using decongestants, quitting alcohol, switching sleep positions, and getting regular exercise can be suitable for mild sleep apnea symptoms. However, severe sleep apnea needs medical treatment 

Are Anti-Snoring Products Good for Treating Sleep Apnea?

Of course, anti-snoring products can slightly relieve people with mild sleep Apnea. But they don’t affect moderate or severe sleep apnea much. Anti-snoring mouthguards can worsen moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea when misused. 

In Conclusion

A good rest impacts every area of life by giving increased energy levels and more mental bandwidth to complete tasks and learn new things every day. In addition, severe obstructive sleep apnea is a treatable health condition affecting many people. It may also gladden your heart to know that devices for treating sleep apnea are becoming more accessible. 

The best devices for treating sleep apnea are CPAP machines, mouth devices, positional therapy, hypoglossal nerve stimulators, and positional therapy pillows. Still, you must visit the nearest sleep laboratory or consult your sleep specialist for home sleep apnea testing to determine the best option for your symptoms. 

Related:

• Understanding the Features and Capabilities of the ResMed AirMini: A Guide to Getting the Most Out of Your Portable CPAP Device
• Full List of Laser Eye Surgery Options [From Best to Worst]
• How to Prepare for Cataract Surgery [Complete Guide]
• Everything You Need To Know About Severe Sleep Apnea
• Most Frequently Asked Questions on Sleep Apnea with Relevant Answers

People with sleep apnea feel exhausted the next day, even after getting a “full” night’s rest. The very idea of having blocked or lapsed breathing is frightening enough, but those who really have it also suffer from secondary concerns including marital troubles, weight gain, and reduced cognitive functioning. These problems are caused by the secondary effects of the primary condition.

Even more concerning, research has shown that long-term impacts might hasten the development of hereditary characteristics such as androgenetic alopecia. In addition, there is a correlation between increased stress and living with sleep apnea symptoms, which raises further concerns regarding sleep and hair loss. This link cannot be denied. These preliminary findings raise the question of whether or not sleep apnea may lead to hair loss.

What Are the Roots of Hair Loss?

• Certain haircuts that put a lot of stress on the follicles and the scalp, as well as treatments (such using hot oil);
• Certain hormonal and medical situations, like pregnancy, thyroid problems, and alopecia areata;
• Hair loss can be predicted by looking at a person’s family history. Androgenetic alopecia, often known as male-pattern baldness or female-pattern baldness, is the most prevalent cause of hair loss.
• A traumatic incident or chronic stress 
• Medications and health supplements connected to high blood pressure, arthritis, and some kinds of cancer

A study on sleep that was conducted in 2017 found a variety of connections between chronic sleep loss and both short-term and long-term health problems. The stress that is brought on by ongoing disturbance might hasten the manifestation of hereditary characteristics like androgenetic alopecia.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Alopecia

There is not a clear causative connection between alopecia and sleep apnea; nonetheless, there is sufficient data to show a link between the two conditions. It is normal for people to have daily hair loss, which is followed by the growth of new hair as a replacement. The circadian rhythm, also known as an internal clock, plays a role in this process.

A study that was done in 2014 discovered a connection between maintaining a regular circadian rhythm and maintaining the integrity of newly regenerated stem cell tissue. Hair follicles were affected by the extended interruption in the sleep-wake cycles of the animals that were studied. The findings raise additional concerns about the possible connection between insufficient sleep and thinning hair in humans.

The sleep-wake cycle has an impact on the production of melatonin, which is occasionally used topically as a treatment for balding or thinning hair. Secretion of melatonin occurs during typical periods of sleep, although this process can be hampered by conditions such as irregular sleep-wake cycles or chronic tiredness, both of which are symptoms of sleep apnea.

Poor sleep quality, obstructive sleep apnea, and hair loss are all linked.

The most frequent type of sleep apnea is called obstructive sleep apnea, and it is defined by the relaxation of the muscles of the throat. The relaxation makes it more difficult for air to move through, which results in snoring and a drop in the amount of oxygen in the blood. When the brain detects that a person is exerting themselves to breathe, it temporarily rouses them from sleep (so brief a sleeper may not remember). This cycle may recur more frequently than thirty times every hour during the night. Click here to get can exercises help reduce risk or improve symptoms of sleep apnea?

The disturbance accumulates over time, resulting in persistent fatigue and, in some circumstances, a neurobiological ‘cost’ or ‘sleep debt.’ A lack of quality sleep is the first step in the cycle of sleep deprivation and hair loss. This leads to increased stress in one’s personal, professional, and familial life, which in turn adds to hair loss.

How does stress play a role in the thinning of hair that is associated with sleep apnea?

This can occur in one of three ways:

• Psychosomatic reactions to stress, such as tugging at one’s hair or eyebrows, have been shown to be triggered by stress. Trichotillomania is an impulse control disorder that causes patients to compulsively pull off their hair.
• When a person is under a significant amount of stress, their hair follicles enter a dormant or sleeping state. Because of the accumulation, the impacted hairs become more likely to break off when they are washed or combed in the future.
• Severe stress triggers an immune system reaction, such as that seen in alopecia areata, which instructs the body to target hair follicles, resulting in hair loss.

Sleep Apnea Remedies

The condition can be treated with a variety of treatments, both at home and at medical facilities.

• Increasing oxygen flow in the body by physical activity (yoga, running, etc.); this may be done by:
• Keeping a healthy weight
• Utilizing oral appliances (to keep airways open when sleeping)
• Staying away from alcoholic beverages and tobacco products

CPAP treatment is something that medical professionals could recommend. Sleep apnea sufferers are able to reap the advantages of a restful night’s sleep thanks to the unblocking of their breathing passages by a CPAP machine. The continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine produces a steady flow of air and exerts just the right amount of pressure to keep the airway in the back of the neck open while the user sleeps soundly.

Benefits of Using a CPAP Machine Include:

• Lower chance of getting type 2 diabetes
• Lower risk of developing heart disease and stroke
• an increase in attentiveness throughout the day
• an improvement in both focus and emotional steadiness

What to Do If You’re Worried About Sleep Deprivation and Losing Your Hair

Consider undergoing a sleep study if you are experiencing symptoms that may be connected to sleep apnea or if you suspect that you may have sleep apnea symptoms. Not getting enough sleep may lead to a range of health problems, including heart disease, poor performance at work, and strained personal relationships, in addition to hair loss.

When it comes to enhancing the overall quality of your life, conducting research is an essential step. The most effective therapy as well as preventative measures can be prescribed by specialists once a thorough diagnostic has been performed. You have access to a number of different sleep tests, all of which are directed by knowledgeable and compassionate experts who are standing by to assist you.

One of the most common causes of interrupted sleep is a blocked airway, which is the case with those who suffer from sleep apnea. Because of this blockage, you will have trouble breathing while you sleep. Sleep apnea is characterised by snoring and periodic interruptions in breathing while sleeping. About 80% of those who snore have sleep apnea.

Although OSA is the most frequent, there are two other forms of sleep apnea.

When the airway is physically blocked during sleep, a condition known as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) develops. When the brain has trouble regulating the muscles responsible for breathing during sleep, a condition known as central sleep apnea (CSA) occurs. Mixed or complex sleep apnea occurs when a person has both obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central sleep apnea (CSA) and so has obstructions from both conditions. Learn more can heart arrhythmias be linked to sleep apnea?

Exercising can help with the first two degrees of sleep disruption and the third level is beneficial in its own right. Not breathing when sleeping is a significant problem that can have major consequences for your health, as you may well know. Thanks to its ability to alleviate symptoms and prevent the onset of sleep apnea, exercise is a double-edged sword for your health.

Physical Consequences of Sleep Apnea

Some of the organs and tissues that are impacted by sleep apnea are the brain, the heart, and the reproductive system. Because sleep apnea is so often overlooked, patients are often prescribed drugs and therapies that don’t provide optimal results. In the case of people with untreated sleep apnea, the effectiveness of medications like insulin and blood pressure medicine may be diminished.

When it comes to the negative consequences of OSA on the body, exercise has an even higher impact because it is also helping lessen the effect of sleep apnea. This is because many of the symptoms associated with OSA are also warning indicators.

Reduced sleep quality is a major consequence of OSA. This is because the exhaustion and physical repercussions of breathing difficulties sometimes persist even after a full night’s sleep.

Additional health issues that can be exacerbated by sleep apnea include:

Problems with cognitive function or memory loss; diabetes or pre-diabetes; excessive daytime sleepiness; erectile dysfunction; high blood pressure; gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD); heart disease or heart failure;

Adding insult to injury, obstructive sleep apnea worsens with age and weight. That’s why it’s crucial to finish your therapy or get help if you suspect you have sleep apnea. The symptoms you’re experiencing won’t go away on their own, and they may get worse if you ignore them.

What methods exist for dealing with sleep apnea?

Before discussing the role of exercise in treating sleep apnea, it is crucial to realise that while weight reduction can assist OSA symptoms, it will not cure the illness.

Treatment with a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine is the gold standard for treating sleep apnea and other breathing disorders during sleep.

Patients with sleep apnea can benefit from CPAP therapy by using a device that delivers a steady stream of air to their airway while they sleep. Consistent use of a CPAP device has been shown in several trials to improve cognitive function, reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and heart attack, and even extend life expectancy.

Common treatments for sleep apnea include continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines and dietary and lifestyle changes. Losing weight can help alleviate certain OSA symptoms, but it won’t cure the condition. Losing weight can help lessen symptoms and improve sleep quality, which makes sense given that being overweight can make the condition worse.

Can Exercise Cure Sleep Apnea, 

The prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea increases with body mass index. It may be the most important contributor to sleep apnea for certain people. That’s because carrying more weight around your neck might cause your upper airway to get blocked, making breathing difficult. This is the root cause of the severe snoring that is a hallmark of OSA. The same is true for the lungs: excess body fat in the midsection can diminish lung volume and so limit one’s breathing ability.

One of the finest things you can do for yourself is to lose weight if you’re overweight or obese and have sleep apnea. Losing weight can help you breathe easier by reducing the pressure in your chest. This can help you stop snoring. The severity of OSA might be decreased by half with just a 10% to 15% weight loss in obese individuals.

Researchers found that moderately obese OSA patients may not need long-term CPAP therapy if they lost weight. When paired with CPAP treatment, losing weight can have additional health benefits.

As a result, this is where exercise comes in. Physical exercise is a key factor in achieving weight reduction success. Exercise may not even be the most beneficial part if you have OSA, even if weight loss can lower OSA severity by 50%.

How to Treat Sleep Apnea with Throat Exercises

Additional exercises for the nose, mouth, and throat can aid in reducing or eliminating snoring in addition to the weight reduction benefits of aerobic activity.

When your airway muscles relax or protrude during sleep, you experience snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. These manoeuvres assist with nasal breathing as you sleep by training and strengthening the muscles that line the nasal passages, moving the tongue, and opening the mouth slightly.

Oropharyngeal exercise, also known as myofunctional treatment for sleep apnea, works on the muscles and soft tissues of the jaw, neck, and mouth. It’s a great way to train your tongue and jaw into a more comfortable resting position.

Some studies have found that myofunctional treatment can lessen the sleep apnea symptoms. One meta-analysis showed that patients treated with myofunctional therapy had a reduction in their apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) from 24.5 to 12.3. Reduces moderate apnea to a milder form of the condition.

Keeping your mouth and throat muscles toned and strong via daytime exercise might help reduce snoring and treat moderate obstructive sleep apnea by limiting muscular vibration during sleep. When performed in conjunction with a CPAP machine and a healthy lifestyle, these activities can be even more beneficial.

Exercises that focus on deep breathing can also assist with sleep apnea by opening and strengthening the muscles around the airways. Using them before bed can help you breathe more easily through your nose and keep your airways from collapsing as you sleep.

Knowing When to Seek the Advice of a Professional

Modifying your way of life can help your sleep apnea, but it may not be enough for severe cases. An expert in sleep medicine can help you choose which treatments are best for you.

You may take our sleep quiz to see whether you have sleep apnea if you haven’t been diagnosed with it yet. You can use it to evaluate your symptoms and determine if sleep apnea testing is necessary. A consultation and sleep study might be helpful if you have trouble sleeping. Get in touch with Air Liquide Healthcare right now to set up a consultation and learn more about the effective treatments available.

Getting a simple and quick sleep exam might be the difference between another night of bad sleep and the peaceful sleep you deserve if you have obstructive sleep apnea.