Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Many people who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) aren’t aware they have the condition. They usually become aware once their partner tells them that they themselves cannot get a good night’s sleep because of the noise and constant disruption. So it’s usually the partner who gets the sufferer to seek medical help.
And obstructive sleep apnea shouldn’t be taken lightly, because it very often causes huge pressures on relationships, even to the extent of forcing eventual break-ups. Because, apart from sleep disruption at night, people who suffer with sleep apnea are oftentimes irritable, anxious, and, find it hard to deal with everyday tasks, especially in the morning.
Typical Obstructive Sleep Apnea Symptoms
Night-time OSA symptoms include the following…
- heavy snoring
- choking
- restlessness
- excessive sweating
- heartburn
- frequent urination
Daytime OSA symptoms include…
- decreased sexual drive
- headaches
- forgetfulness
- irritability
- excessive sleepiness / drowsiness
- fatigue
- trouble focusing
- depressive moods
Further Effects of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
As well as the symptoms above, there are more serious effects of OSA to consider.
For example, during an episode of sleep apnea, it’s possible for the level of oxygen in the blood to reduce (hypoxemia). It can then stimulate the vagus nerve. If this occurs, then both heart rate and blood pressure decrease, leading to the real possibility of heart failure.
An episode can also abnormaly increase carbon dioxide levels in the system. This abnormal increase can then stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, leading to an increase in heart rate, blood pressure and heart workload. The outcome can be heart failure, irregular heartbeat and hypertension.
Central Sleep Apnea
Central sleep apnea can also occur in patients who have OSA. In this condition, the brain controlled respiration is malfunctioning, causing an increase in the blood of carbon dioxide and a reduced amount of oxygen. In turn, the brains cells may die because, as you know, the brain is highly dependent on oxygen and loss of it will cause damage.
