Sleep Related Breathing Disorders

Sleep-related breathing disorders are marked by abnormal breathing during sleep, including  snoring, pauses in breathing, or airway obstruction. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the  airway becomes partially or completely blocked during sleep, leading to disrupted rest, daytime fatigue, and potential long-term health concerns.

Sleep-related breathing disorders are conditions of abnormal and difficult breathing during sleep,  including chronic snoring and sleep apnea. Some sleep-related breathing disorders have limited health impact, but others can have serious consequences because of their potential effects on sleep and the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is one of the most common and serious sleep-related breathing disorders. In OSA, the airway repeatedly collapses during sleep, causing lapses in breathing that both fragments sleep and affect the body’s oxygen levels. Upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) is a milder form of OSA in which sleep is disrupted but oxygen levels are not affected to the same degree.

OSA may affect as many as 30% of adults and is more common in men than women. The condition is likely underdiagnosed, and many experts anticipate that its prevalence will increase in the future along with growing rates of obesity, which is one of the major risk factors for OSA. Snoring, gasping or choking during sleep, and excessive daytime sleepiness are main symptoms of OSA. When left untreated, the condition can cause significant health problems including cardiovascular issues like high blood pressure and stroke.

Why Does This Matter?

When your breathing is interrupted, your brain and body don’t get enough oxygen. This leads to poor-quality sleep and can increase your risk for serious health problems like:

• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Type 2 diabetes
• Daytime fatigue or sleepiness
• Mood changes, memory issues, or trouble concentrating
Common Warning Signs
• Loud or frequent snoring
• Gasping or choking sounds during sleep
• Waking up tired, even after a full night’s sleep
• Morning headaches
• Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking
• Daytime drowsiness or irritability

What Can Be Done?

Sleep-related breathing disorders are treatable. Treatment depends on the severity and may
include:
• Lifestyle changes (weight loss, sleep position)
• CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machines
• Oral appliances that help keep your airway open
• Surgical options for certain cases