What is obstructive sleep apnea?Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when your breathing is interrupted during sleep, for longer than 10 seconds at least 5 times per hour (on average) throughout your sleep period. These periods are called hypopneas when your breathing is reduced and you're not taking in enough oxygen. They're called apneas if your breathing completely stops. Your breathing typically stops because something is blocking your upper airway, such as the muscles, tongue, and other body tissues. Show
Obstructive sleep apnea can range from moderate to severe, based on a measurement and rating system called the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI). The AHI measures an average number of apnea and hypopnea episodes that you experience per hour that you sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea is classified by severity:
Get a Better, More Restful Night’s SleepMore than 60 million Americans suffer from poor sleep quality, and more than 40 million meet the diagnostic criteria for sleep disorders. Sleep is critical to a healthy mind and body – learn how to get a better, more restful night’s sleep in the Johns Hopkins Healthy Sleep portal. What causes obstructive sleep apnea?When you sleep, your body is completely relaxed — even the muscles that help you breathe. In people with sleep apnea, these relaxed muscles combine with a narrowed airway to interrupt breathing. Anyone at any age can have obstructive sleep apnea, but it's most common in middle-aged and older adults. Only about 2% of children have obstructive sleep apnea. It's also more common in men than in women. But what's frightening is that as many as 90% of people who have obstructive sleep apnea don't know that they have it. Untreated, sleep apnea can lead to serious health problems. Who is at risk for obstructive sleep apnea?Knowing the risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea can help you get a diagnosis. Risk factors include:
What are the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea?Some people have obstructive sleep apnea with no symptoms. Others find that they just don't feel rested after a night of sleep and feel sleepy during the day. Snoring is one of the biggest symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea. Other symptoms include:
How is obstructive sleep apnea diagnosed?Diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea usually involves participating in a sleep study, in which you're observed as you sleep. You may participate in a test called a polysomnogram at a hospital or sleep center. But you may also use a take-home version of the test. Your doctor may give you a monitor to wear when you sleep that measures your oxygen levels and heart rate, to help diagnose sleep apnea. Your doctor will also typically do a physical exam, including an exam of the throat, neck, and mouth, and take your medical history. You'll probably also have to answer questions about your sleep and bedtime routine, as well as your symptoms. How is obstructive sleep apnea treated?These are common treatments to maintain consistent breathing and stop or reduce apnea episodes:
Several types of surgery can be done to treat obstructive sleep apnea:
Making a few changes to your sleep and other behaviors can also help manage obstructive sleep apnea:
What are the complications of obstructive sleep apnea?Letting obstructive sleep apnea continue untreated is risky — you can get in a serious accident if you fall asleep while operating machinery or driving a car. Health problems may develop as a result of obstructive sleep apnea, including:
Can obstructive sleep apnea be prevented?Avoiding behaviors that relax your muscles can help prevent apnea episodes. Don't drink alcohol or take sedatives to help you sleep, and maintain a healthy weight. When should I call my healthcare provider?If your bed partner hears symptoms of apnea episodes or your snoring is problematic, it's a good idea to visit your doctor to talk about your symptoms and ask about a sleep study. Feeling drowsy or falling asleep frequently during the day are also signs that you should call your doctor. Key points about obstructive sleep apnea
Johns Hopkins Center for Snoring and Sleep SurgeryJohns Hopkins Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery’s experts are now available to implant an FDA-approved hypoglossal nerve stimulator as a new treatment strategy for patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Find out how you can receive this surgical treatment. What is the most best treatment for patients with obstructive sleep apnea?POSITIVE AIRWAY PRESSURE THERAPY Positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy is the mainstay of therapy for adults with OSA. The mechanism of continuous PAP (CPAP) involves maintenance of a positive pharyngeal transmural pressure so that the intraluminal pressure exceeds the surrounding pressure [54].
What are the effective treatments available to treat sleep apnea?A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine is the most common and most reliable method for treating it. The CPAP machine pushes a steady stream of air through a mask that you wear while you sleep. It keeps your airway open. That helps you snore less (or not at all) and sleep better.
How is obstructive sleep apnea treated?Treatments for obstructive sleep apnea are available. One treatment involves using a device that uses positive pressure to keep your airway open while you sleep. Another option is a mouthpiece to thrust your lower jaw forward during sleep. In some cases, surgery might be an option too.
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