Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that occurs when a person’s breathing is interrupted during sleep. This can happen hundreds of times a night, and each time it does, the brain and the rest of the body are deprived of oxygen.
There are two main types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea is the more common type, and it occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat relax too much during sleep. It also occurs in people with excess weight where the fatty tissue narrows the airway, especially when the neck is relaxed during sleep. This causes the airway to become blocked, and the person stops breathing.
Central Sleep Apnea occurs when the brain fails to send the correct signals to the muscles that control breathing. This can happen for several reasons, including certain medications, neurological disorders, and heart problems.
Sleep apnea can have many serious health consequences, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. It can also lead to problems with concentration, memory, and mood.
The exact mechanism by which sleep apnea affects the heart is not fully understood, but it is thought to be due to various factors, including:
- Decreased oxygen levels in the blood: When a person stops breathing during sleep, the level of oxygen in the blood drops. This can cause the heart to work harder to pump blood throughout the body. Over time, this can lead to damage to the heart muscle. Sleep apnea can cause congestive heart failure.
- Increased levels of stress hormones: Sleep apnea can trigger the release of stress hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones can increase blood pressure and heart rate, and they can also contribute to the development of heart disease.
- Irregular heartbeats: Sleep apnea can also cause irregular heartbeats, or arrhythmias. Arrhythmias can increase the risk of stroke, heart attack, and sudden cardiac death.
- Inflammation: Sleep apnea can cause inflammation throughout the body, including in the heart and blood vessels. Inflammation can damage tissues and make it more difficult for the heart to function properly.
- Headaches and memory problems: Due to recurrent problems with oxygen deprivation, people complain of headaches and feeling foggy or having poor memory.
- Fluctuating blood pressures: Sleep apnea often leads to difficult to control or fluctuating blood pressures. It increases risk of stroke due to the sudden increase in blood pressure
If you think you may have sleep apnea, it is important to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Treatment for sleep apnea can include lifestyle changes, such as losing weight or quitting smoking, as well as medical devices, such as a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. CPAP machines deliver pressurized air through a mask that is worn over the nose and mouth. This pressurized air helps to keep the airway open during sleep.
Treatment for sleep apnea can help to improve your quality of life and reduce your risk of developing serious health problems.
