Sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder characterized by marked reduction or cessation of breathing that occurs during sleep, usually lasting 10 to 20 seconds or more. This cessation of breathing decreases the oxygen saturation in the blood and the entire body. This, in turn, triggers a myriad of reactions like gasping for air and restlessness leading to sleep disruption.

The diagnostic test done to evaluate this condition is a polysomnography test or an overnight sleep study wherein your vitals, EKG, breathing pattern, brainwaves, eye and muscle movements, and blood oxygen saturation are recorded and evaluated by a sleep technician while you sleep.

Adults are more commonly affected by sleep apnea. When it occurs in children, the most common causes are enlarged tonsils or adenoids. It is also often observed in babies born prematurely and those with congenital heart defects.

There are two types of sleep apnea: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Central Sleep Apnea (CSA). OSA is caused by narrowing or physical obstructions in the airway. Swollen nasal turbinates, a deviated nasal septum, an enlarged uvula, and obesity are the most common causes of obstructions. CSA, on the other hand, is caused by failure of the breathing center of the brain to send a signal to the respiratory breathing muscles to initiate breathing. This is usually brought about by cerebrovascular, cardiovascular, or congenital diseases. CSA is characterized by cessation of breathing that lasts 20 seconds or more...much longer than what occurs in OSA.

It is important that you be able to recognize sleep apnea if you should see someone experiencing it. Common symptoms of sleep apnea are as follows:

•Cessation of breathing during sleep lasting 10 to 20 seconds or more

•Snoring

•Restlessness, gasping or choking in the middle of the night

•Drowsiness and fatigue

•A feeling of being unrested or unrefreshed after sleep

•Lack of concentration and memory loss

•Irritability and personality changes

•Nocturia, heartburn, headaches

Treatment of sleep apnea would depend on what it causing it. If it is obstructive sleep apnea, removal of the obstruction through surgery would be the best intervention. If it is central sleep apnea, the medical condition that is causing the apnea should be addressed first. But there are less invasive ways of managing the symptoms for both types of apnea. One of the following may work for you.

•Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) - today's sleep apnea treatment of choice.

•Bi-level positive airway pressure (Bi-PAP) - a newer, more improved version of the CPAP. It delivers two different pressure levels, one for when the patient is breathing in and a lower pressure when the patient is breathing out, which makes it more convenient to use.

•Lifestyle changes - weight reduction, cutting back on tobacco and alcohol use.

•Avoiding use of "downers" or medications like sedatives and muscle relaxants. They can suppress the respiratory system.

•Pillar procedure - the newest form of apnea treatment. It involves injection of three small implants into the soft palate. This is less invasive, less risky and less painful than surgery.

•Use of special pillows and dental devices may also help.

Sleep apnea disorders should not be taken lightly because apnea may be a symptom of a more serious medical condition. If left untreated, it can also lead to further health problems like hypertension and insomnia. Prompt evaluation must be initiated as soon as sleep apnea episodes are suspected to find out what is causing it, determine its severity, and to be able to initiate the appropriate treatment regimen and prevent serious complications.