Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a common disorder in which breathing stops during sleep for 10 seconds or more, sometimes more than 300 times a night. The hallmark of the disorder is excessive daytime sleepiness and compromised quality of life, including significant social and emotional problems.

The two types of sleep apnea -- "obstructive" and "central" -- are thought to have different mechanisms. Obstructive sleep apnea may represent cessation of breathing due to mechanical blockage of the airway, while central sleep apnea appears to be related to a malfunction of the brain's normal signal to breathe.

Symptoms of sleep apnea may include restless sleep, loud, heavy snoring (often interrupted by silence and then gasps), falling asleep while driving and/or during the day (at work, watching TV, etc.), morning headaches, loss of energy, trouble concentrating, irritability, forgetfulness, mood or behavior changes, anxiety or depression, obesity, and decreased interest in sex. Not all people with sleep apnea experience all of these symptoms and not everyone who has these symptoms has sleep apnea. However, it is recommended that people who are experiencing even a few symptoms visit their physician for evaluation. Prompt and proper diagnosis of sleep apnea is an important first step to treating the disorder. Potential consequences of sleep apnea include hypertension, coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, stroke, psychiatric problems, impotence, cognitive dysfunction, memory loss, and death.

For mild cases of obstructive sleep apnea, treatment often consists of avoiding sleeping on one's back. For people with significant nasal congestion, a decongestant therapy may be prescribed. Patients with obstructive and central apnea should avoid central nervous system depressants such as alcoholic beverages, sedatives and narcotics. If the patient is overweight, weight loss and diet control are encouraged. Most serious cases of obstructive sleep apnea can be relieved by a treatment called the nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nasal CPAP). Nasal CPAP is a mask-like device and pump that work together to keep the airway open with air pressure. Some patients may benefit from surgery.

Eliminating the obstruction usually reverses the commonly associated pulmonary and systemic hypertension and cardiac problems of obstructive apnea. Untreated, sleep apnea can greatly affect daytime functioning. Sleep apnea sufferers have a tendency to fall asleep during the day, a potentially deadly consequence of the disorder.

Information provided by the
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institutes of Health

Each year, Medical College of Wisconsin physicians care for more than 180,000 patients, representing nearly 500,000 patient visits. Medical College physicians practice at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital, the Milwaukee VA Medical Center, and many other hospitals and clinics in Milwaukee and southeastern Wisconsin.