Sleep apnea – causes, effects, treatment

Sleep apnea is a common breathing disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a medical condition in which a person stops breathing for a short period during sleep, which can have numerous negative effects on health. Despite this, sleep apnea is often ignored, and there are frequently difficulties in proper diagnosis or treatment implementation.

It has varied causes, and its effects can be serious, affecting many aspects of life. However, there have been treatment methods for sleep apnea worldwide for years that can help alleviate symptoms and improve sleep quality. It is extremely important for patients to be aware of the impact of sleep hygiene on its occurrence and severity.

Sleep apnea, also known as obstructive sleep apnea or OSA, is a condition that affects an increasing number of people worldwide. It is a serious breathing disorder characterized by temporary and reversible cessation of airflow in the airways during sleep. As examples show, the causes of its occurrence are complex and rarely result from a single factor.

The most significant factor is obesity associated with lifestyle. Excessive fat accumulated around the throat can exert pressure on the airways, leading to their narrowing and, in extreme cases, complete blockage. This, in turn, causes interruptions in breathing during sleep, resulting in episodes of sleep apnea.

Another important risk factor is age. Sleep apnea is more common in older individuals because the throat muscles weaken as the body ages. Meanwhile, the throat muscles play a crucial role in maintaining the patency of the airways during sleep. When these muscles are weakened due to aging, they may not function properly, leading to more frequent narrowing during sleep.

This phenomenon causes breathing pauses and drops in oxygen saturation, which are characteristic of sleep apnea. Other age-related changes, such as increased adipose tissue around the throat, decreased tissue elasticity, and reduced physical activity, can also contribute to an increased risk of sleep apnea in older individuals.

Tendencies toward sleep apnea are heritable, meaning they are based on genetics. Individuals whose family members have had sleep apnea are therefore more susceptible to its occurrence. Inheritance can include both physiological characteristics, such as the anatomical structure of the airways, and genetic predispositions to obesity or breathing disorders.

It should be noted that possessing a gene predisposing to the disease does not guarantee that one will develop it. The activation of such a gene often requires exposure to a specific environmental factor. Therefore, self-care and preventive measures help reduce the risk of sleep apnea.

A frequently encountered cause of sleep apnea is the use of sedative substances. Among them, alcohol, other drugs, and certain medications are mentioned. These substances have a depressant effect on the respiratory system, causing muscle relaxation and negatively affecting the maintenance of airway patency during sleep.

Smoking cigarettes also has an irritating effect on the mucous membranes of the airways, causing inflammation and swelling.

One of the main consequences of sleep apnea is various sleep disturbances. Individuals with obstructive sleep apnea often experience loud snoring interrupted by sudden awakenings to restore normal breathing. This disrupts the structure of sleep and can lead to feelings of fatigue and daytime sleepiness. People suffering from sleep apnea are also more prone to insomnia, which further worsens the quality of their sleep and affects their daily functioning.

Sleep apnea also has a negative impact on the cardiovascular system. Individuals affected by it are more susceptible to the development of hypertension, which can lead to more serious cardiovascular diseases such as coronary artery disease, heart attack, and even stroke. Oxygen deprivation due to breathing interruptions during sleep can also contribute to the formation of blood clots, which can be potentially dangerous.

The effects of sleep apnea can also manifest on a psychological level. People with OSA may experience mood changes such as irritability, apathy, anxiety, or depression. Sleep disturbances and constant fatigue can affect overall mood and the ability to cope with stress, which can have a negative impact on mental health.

The impact of sleep apnea on overall quality of life can be significant. Individuals with OSA may face various difficulties in performing daily activities such as work, studying, or taking care of their families. This can lead to limitations in social and emotional activities, negatively impacting overall health and well-being.

Implementing appropriate treatment for sleep apnea is crucial for improving sleep quality and overall health of the patient. One of the most effective treatment methods for sleep apnea is the use of positional therapy. This involves changing the sleeping position, such as sleeping on the side instead of the back. This can sometimes help reduce the obstruction of the airways and improve airflow during sleep. Special devices can also be used, such as relatively unknown anti-snoring collars, which are designed to keep the neck in the proper position. However, their effectiveness is often questioned.

Another effective approach to treating sleep apnea is making lifestyle changes. This primarily includes weight management, as well as avoiding alcohol, nicotine, and other substances that can worsen its symptoms. Regular physical activity and a well-balanced, healthy diet also contribute to overall health improvement for the patient.

Currently, some patients with sleep apnea also undergo behavioral therapy under the guidance of a psychologist and physiotherapist. This therapy primarily focuses on throat muscle training, which aims to strengthen the muscles responsible for maintaining the patency of the airways during sleep. Behavioral therapy may also involve breathing exercises, breathing patterns, or breath control training, which help reduce the symptoms of sleep apnea. Along with that, psychoeducation is used to improve the patient's quality of life and modify unhealthy habits as much as possible.

One of the most effective methods of treating sleep apnea is the use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, which involves providing positive air pressure in the airways during sleep. It relies on the use of a CPAP machine along with an appropriate mask. These masks can be worn on the nose or over the nose and mouth during sleep. They deliver air at the proper pressure, helping to prevent breathing pauses and ensuring proper airflow through the airways. There are many types of CPAP masks, including nasal masks, full-face masks, and sealable masks. This allows for customization to meet the individual needs of the patient.

An important aspect of using CPAP therapy is properly fitting the mask to the patient's facial shape. Therefore, significant attention should be paid to selecting the appropriate orthopedic pillow, which allows for full utilization of its benefits. This pillow must be designed to conform to the shape of the face and reduce pressure on the nose, mouth, and other facial areas that come into contact with the CPAP mask. As a result, patients with sleep apnea not only experience greater comfort during sleep but also significantly enhance the effectiveness of the therapy.

When deciding to use a CPAP machine and oxygen mask, it is important to ensure the right pillow. While individuals not using this solution should invest in an orthopedic sleep apnea pillow, those using this type of sleep apnea therapy should consider purchasing a CPAP pillow produced by the Polish company, Dr Sapporo.

The proposed pillow by Dr Sapporo is made of a soft and flexible material that is hypoallergenic and does not cause any skin irritations. Additionally, this pillow has special indentations that allow for proper placement of the CPAP mask on the face, eliminating the possibility of the mask shifting during sleep. As a result, it significantly increases comfort during therapy and enhances its effectiveness.

It can be used by individuals who are just starting CPAP therapy, as well as those who have been using this therapy for a longer period. This is particularly important for patients who experience problems with restless sleep, mask movement, or a feeling of pressure on the nose, mouth, or face. A properly fitted pillow can eliminate these inconveniences entirely.

The CPAP machine itself, like the masks connected to it, is covered by reimbursement from the National Health Fund. The currently applicable Regulation of the Minister of Health regarding the list of medical devices issued upon request regulates the rules. It states that CPAP machines are eligible for reimbursement up to a certain limit. Similar rules apply to CPAP masks, which are also partially covered by reimbursement.

It should be noted that the mattress itself plays a significant role in the treatment of sleep apnea, which is a breathing disorder that occurs during sleep. Choosing the right mattress can affect sleep comfort and reduce sleep apnea symptoms, thus improving quality of life for patients suffering from this condition. This is because a mattress with the appropriate firmness and flexibility helps maintain the proper position of the spine during sleep, which is especially important for individuals with sleep apnea. Proper alignment of the spine helps open the airways, reducing the frequency and severity of sleep apnea episodes.

Another important factor is reducing pressure on the body. A mattress with proper cushioning reduces pressure on various body parts such as the shoulders, hips, and knees, which also helps reduce muscle tension and prevents excessive, unhealthy body movement during sleep. This allows for avoiding incorrect body positions, which often lead to difficulty breathing and increased symptoms of sleep apnea.

Ideal for individuals experiencing sleep apnea is the universal Osaka Air mattress. This mattress model, which is also a Class I medical device, has been designed to address the needs and difficulties reported by customers. Through conducted research and a lengthy process of prototyping and testing during the design thinking process, its construction has been tailored to natural human needs, including support for physiological spinal curves. As a result, it meets all medical requirements for maintaining a proper physiological body position during sleep.

We also encourage you to explore other articles on the best sleep and health blog, as well as the Encyclopedia of Healthy Sleep prepared by the ONSEN® team of specialists. For those who care about spine health, we recommend a set of spine exercises prepared by our physiotherapist.