The problem of not breathing properly while sleeping is called obstructive sleep apnea. This problem occurs when the muscles at the back of the throat become so relaxed that the airway becomes narrow and normal breathing becomes difficult. Daytime sleepiness, loud snoring while sleeping, morning headache, and high blood pressure can be symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea. As a treatment for this, reducing weight, sleeping on the side, and taking CPAP therapy can provide relief.

Ayurvedic treatment of sleep disorders is given in detail here.

Today in this article you will learn about Obstructive Sleep Apnea -

(Read More - Parasomnia Treatment)

  1. Obstructive Sleep Apnea Symptoms
  2. Takeaway
  3. Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment
  4. Obstructive Sleep Apnea Causes and Risk Factors
Doctors for Obstructive Sleep Apnea - Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

There are many types of sleep apnea, and among them, obstructive sleep apnea is the most common. As a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea, a person is sleepy even during the day, with loud snoring and headache in the morning. The main symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea are as follows -

  • Excessive sleepiness or feeling tired during the day.
  • Loud snoring while sleeping.
  • Sudden stop of breathing while sleeping.
  • Waking up suddenly with gasping or suffocation.
  • Waking up in the middle of sleep and feeling dryness in the throat.
  • Headache in the morning.
  • Difficulty concentrating during the day.
  • Mood like depression or irritability.
  • Having high blood pressure.
  • Decreased sex drive.

(Read More - Acute Insomnia Treatment)

In obstructive sleep apnea, the muscles at the back of the throat relax and the airway narrows. Because of this, a person may find it difficult to breathe normally. Snoring fast, headache during the day, feeling drowsy, and sudden change in mood are symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea. At the same time, obesity, increasing age, narrow airways, chronic nasal congestion, and smoking can be the reasons for obstructive sleep apnea. Weight loss, abstinence from alcohol, CPAP therapy, and surgery can be helpful in its treatment.

(Read More - Sleep chart by age)

Treatment for obstructive sleep apnea includes reducing excess weight, stopping alcohol consumption, and sleeping on the side. Come, let us know in detail about the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea -

Surgery

Surgery is considered when the CPAP or BPAP machine does not work. Surgery can be used to remove excess tissue at the back of the throat. If there is a problem with the facial structure, it can be rectified. If there is a physical problem, a hole is made in the air passage, so that air can pass through easily. Through surgery, a device like a pacemaker can also be installed, with the help of which the muscles of the throat remain stimulated during sleep. Keep in mind that there are many disadvantages of surgery.

Ashwagandha Tablet
₹356  ₹399  10% OFF
BUY NOW

BPAP Therapy

This is called bilevel positive airway pressure, which is used when CPAP therapy does not work. In this, two pressures are delivered in response to machine-assisted breathing – the pressure of inhalation and the pressure of exhalation.

(Read More - Sleep problems in children)

CPAP Therapy

This is called continuous positive airway pressure therapy, which is a treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. Under this, it is advised to sleep wearing a face mask at night. This face mask helps in keeping the airways open at night. Although it takes some time to fall asleep with CPAP therapy, with the right support, the problems associated with it gradually go away.

Avoid Alcohol

Drinking alcohol closes the airway during sleep and can cause breathing problems. Therefore, avoiding the consumption of alcohol can provide relief from obstructive sleep apnea.

(Read More - Sleep during pregnancy)

Sleep On Side

Sleeping on the back can worsen the condition of obstructive sleep apnea. In such a situation, sleeping on the side can provide relief.

(Read More - Homeopathic medicine for Insomnia)

Reduce Weight

Being overweight leads to the accumulation of fat in the muscles around the throat, which increases the risk of obstructive sleep apnea. In this situation, reducing weight can reduce this problem. The help of exercise can be taken to lose weight. This will also reduce blood pressure, which is another reason for obstructive sleep apnea.

(Read More - Deep sleep stages)

Excess obesity, increasing age, and high blood pressure can be the causes of sleep apnea. Come, let us know in detail about the causes of obstructive sleep apnea -

Family History

If someone in the family has had obstructive sleep apnea before, then the risk of its occurrence may increase.

(Read More - Ayurvedic medicine for Insomnia)

Tongue Shape

Obstructive sleep apnea can also occur if a person has a large tongue, which can go backward and block the airway.

(Read More - Why we wake up in the middle of the night)

Retrognathia

In this situation, the lower part of the jaw remains smaller than the upper part. Such people can also have obstructive sleep apnea.

(Read More - How to fall asleep)

Collar Size

Men whose collar size is 17 inches and women whose collar size is 16 inches or more are at risk of having obstructive sleep apnea.

(Read More - Effects of improving sleep on mental health)

Asthma

Research says that obstructive sleep apnea and asthma are related. People with asthma are more prone to nasal congestion and this promotes obstructive sleep apnea.

(Read More - Sleep talking treatment)

Smoking

Smokers have a higher risk of obstructive sleep apnea.

(Read More - Sleepwalking treatment)

Chronic Nasal Congestion

The risk of obstructive sleep apnea can be doubled for people whose nose remains closed at night for any reason. One reason for this is the narrow airways.

(Read More - Deep Sleep)

High Blood Pressure

Obstructive sleep apnea can also be a problem due to hypertension.

(Read More - Hypersomnia treatment)

Narrow Airways

Sometimes the airway is narrow even genetically. Apart from this, the tonsils or adenoids can become so enlarged that they can block the airways.

(Read More - Sleep Deprivation treatment)

Age

The risk of obstructive sleep apnea increases with increasing age.

(Read More - Sleep paralysis treatment)

Obesity

One of the main reasons for obstructive sleep apnea is obesity, but it is not necessary for everyone. Due to the accumulation of fat around the airways, breathing is difficult. Problems related to obesity such as hypothyroidism or polycystic ovary syndrome can also be the cause of obstructive sleep apnea.

(Read More - Insomnia Treatment)

Dr. Hemant Kumar

Dr. Hemant Kumar

Neurology
11 Years of Experience

Dr. Vinayak Jatale

Dr. Vinayak Jatale

Neurology
3 Years of Experience

Dr. Sameer Arora

Dr. Sameer Arora

Neurology
10 Years of Experience

Dr. Khursheed Kazmi

Dr. Khursheed Kazmi

Neurology
10 Years of Experience

Read on app