|
   |
 |
Sleep ApneaSleep apnea is a debilitating condition that can become progressively
worse over time. Untreated, sleep apnea can cause high blood
pressure and other cardiovascular disease, memory problems, weight
gain, impotency, and headaches. Moreover, untreated sleep apnea
may be responsible for job impairment and motor vehicle crashes.
Apnea, first clinically described in 1965, has not been on the
radar screens of doctors or the public for very long. Doctors
have been slow in identifying it in patients. The public has
little awareness. Significantly, overweight and obese people
are very prone to this condition. In this section you can learn
about what apnea is and what can be done about it. |
NINDS Sleep Apnea Information Page
What is 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. There are two main types of sleep apnea. "Obstructive
sleep apnea" may represent cessation of breathing due to mechanical blockage
of the airway; "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 of these symptoms visit their physician
for evaluation. Prompt and proper diagnosis of sleep apnea is an important first
step to treating the disorder. Problems associated with untreated sleep apnea
include hypertension, coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, stroke,
psychiatric problems, impotence, cognitive dysfunction, memory loss, and death.
Is there any treatment?
For mild cases of obstructive sleep apnea, treatment often consists of using
methods to avoid 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. Weight loss and diet control
are encouraged for overweight patients. Many serious cases of obstructive
sleep apnea can be relieved by a treatment called nasal continuous positive
airway pressure (nasal CPAP). Nasal CPAP uses a mask-like device and pump
that work together to keep the airway open with air pressure during each
inspiration. Surgery may benefit some patients by eliminating or reducing
the narrowing of the airway due to anatomical defects.
What is the prognosis?
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.
What research is being
done?
Sleep apnea is currently one of the most active areas of sleep research. NINDS
has notified investigators that it is seeking grant applications in both clinical
and basic sleep and wakefulness research, including neurological causes and
consequences of sleep apnea. Research on sleep apnea is also funded by the
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and the National Institute on Aging.
Here is a list of all studies currently seeking patients.
Organizations
American Sleep Apnea Association
1424 K Street, NW
Suite 302
Washington, DC 20005
asaa@sleepapnea.org
http://www.sleepapnea.org/
Tel: 202-293-3650
Fax: 202-293-3656
National Sleep Foundation
1522 K Street NW
Suite 500
Washington, DC 20005
nsf@sleepfoundation.org
http://www.sleepfoundation.org/
Tel: 202-347-3471 (no public calls please)
Fax: 202-347-3472
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHBLI)
National Institutes of Health, DHHS
31 Center Drive, Rm. 4A21 MSC 2480
Bethesda, MD 20892-2480
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/
Tel: 301-592-8573/240-629-3255 (TTY) Recorded Info: 800-575-WELL (-9355)
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
National Institutes of Health, DHHS
31 Center Drive, Rm. 5C27 MSC 2292
Bethesda, MD 20892-2292
http://www.nia.nih.gov/
Tel: 301-496-1752 800-222-2225 TTY: 800-222-4225
