What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a common but often unrecognized sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. This can last from a few seconds up to a minute and occurs multiple times per night. Sleep apnea can lead to poor sleep quality and various health problems. In this blog post, we explain exactly what sleep apnea is, its symptoms, causes, and how you can treat it.

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea literally means "no breathing during sleep." There are three main types of sleep apnea:

1. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)The most common form, where the airways are partially or completely blocked due to the relaxation of the throat muscles.
2. Central sleep apnea (CSA)The brainstem plays a role here; it does not send proper signals to the respiratory muscles.
3. Complex sleep apnea (MMA)A combination of both obstructive and central sleep apnea.

Symptoms of sleep apnea

Sleep apnea is often difficult to notice on your own because it mainly occurs during sleep. Common symptoms include:

• Loud snoring (especially with OSA)
• Regularly stopping breathing during sleep (often noticed by a partner)
• Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat
• Morning headache
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Concentration problems and forgetfulness
• Irritability or mood swings

If you recognize these symptoms, it may be wise to contact a doctor for further examination.

What are the causes of sleep apnea?

There are several factors that increase the risk of sleep apnea:

• OverweightExtra fat around the neck can block the airways.
• AgeOlder adults have a higher risk of sleep apnea.
• Bad nasal breathing: Nasal congestion or anatomical abnormalities such as a deviated nasal septum.
• Family historySleep apnea can be hereditary.
• Alcohol and sedativesThese relax the throat muscles, which increases the risk of sleep apnea.
• SmokingSmoking irritates and swells the airways, which can lead to blockages.

Dangers and Risks of Sleep Apnea

Untreated sleep apnea can lead to various health problems, such as:

• Increased risk of cardiovascular diseaseDue to lack of oxygen and high blood pressure.
• High blood pressure (hypertension): Due to repeated interruptions of breathing.
• Type 2 diabetesSleep apnea can affect blood sugar regulation.
• Depression and anxietyDue to lack of sleep and poor sleep quality.
• AccidentsReduced alertness can lead to a higher risk of traffic accidents and workplace incidents.

Can mouth tape prevent sleep apnea?

Mouth tape can help prevent snoring and mild forms of sleep apnea by encouraging you to breathe through your nose instead of your mouth. Nasal breathing improves oxygen intake and reduces the likelihood of throat muscles relaxing, which can limit snoring and breathing problems.

However, it is important to emphasize that mouth tape should not be used as a treatment for people who already experience symptoms of sleep apnea, such as breathing pauses or extreme daytime fatigue. If you suspect you have sleep apnea, it is advisable to consult your doctor first for a proper diagnosis and treatment. The use of mouth tape can then be considered as an additional measure in consultation with your doctor.

How is sleep apnea treated?

Treatment of sleep apnea depends on the severity of the condition and can involve various methods:

1. Lifestyle changes:

   • Weight lossLosing excess weight can help with mild sleep apnea.
   • Quitting smokingSmoking worsens sleep apnea.
   • Side sleepingSleeping on your side instead of your back can reduce snoring.

2. Use of Mouth tapeMouth breathing can worsen the symptoms of sleep apnea. Mouth tape encourages you to breathe through your nose, reducing the chances of snoring and breathing problems. This can be an effective solution for mild cases of sleep apnea or in combination with other treatments, but consult a doctor first if you suspect sleep apnea.

3. CPAP device (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure)A CPAP machine keeps the airways open by means of air pressure. It is the most common treatment for moderate to severe sleep apnea.

4. MRA splint (Mandibular Repositioning Appliance)This device gently pushes the lower jaw forward, keeping the airways open during sleep.

5. SurgeryIn severe cases, surgery may be recommended to remove excess tissue or to adjust the jaw structure to widen the airways.

When should you seek medical help?

If you suspect you have sleep apnea, especially if your partner notices that you often stop breathing during sleep, it is important to consult a doctor. Sleep apnea can be diagnosed with a sleep study, after which your doctor can recommend the appropriate treatment.

Closure

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that can significantly impact your health and daily life. Fortunately, there are various treatment options available, ranging from simple adjustments like mouth tape to specialized devices. Better sleep can improve your overall health and enhance your quality of life.

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