Sleep Apnea Symptoms: THESE are the warning signs that you should be careful of

Noticing that your breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep? You could be suffering from sleep apnea.

By Sayari Debnath

Updated on Nov 15, 2019 | 07:11 PM IST | 2.2M

Sleep Apnea Symptoms: THESE are the warning signs that you should be careful of

The repeated stopping and starting of breathing while one is asleep is known as sleep apnea. The involuntary pause in breathing can result either from a blocked airway or a signaling problem in the brain. Most people usually experience sleep apnea due to the first reason, and it’s also known as obstructive sleep apnea or OSA. Sleep apnea due to a signaling problem in the problem is known as central sleep apnea or CSA. in fact, one in five adults suffer from sleep apnea. The person will unknowingly stop breathing repeatedly throughout sleep which may be disrupted by a snort, a deep breath, or awakening completely with a sensation of gasping, smothering, or choking. Untreated sleep apnea can lead to potentially serious health complications, such as heart disease and depression. It can also lead to an incomplete sleep, thus increasing the risk of accidents while driving or working.

Causes of sleep apnea

These following factors can cause blocking or collapse of airway passage

1. Muscular changes -

When we sleep, the muscles that keep the airway open relax, along with the tongue, cause the airway to narrow. Usually this relaxation does not prevent the flow of air in and out of the lungs, but in sleep apnea, it can.

2. Physical obstructions -

Additional thickened tissue or excessive fat stores around the airway can restrict the airflow. Thus any air that squeezes past will cause loud snoring associated with OSA.

3. Brain function -

In CSA, the neurological controls for breathing are faulty. This causes the control and rhythm of breathing to malfunction.

You are also likely to suffer from sleep apnea if you are obese, having chronic sinusitis, menopausal, smoke and have a family history of sleep apnea.

Symptoms of sleep apnea