Living with Sleep Apnea

1. Living with Sleep Apnea
Erin. E. Smith

2.  Sleep apnea is a serious condition that affects more
than 12 million Americans.
 Sleep apnea causes people to stop breathing during
sleep, sometimes as often as hundreds of times per
night.
 It can be extremely terrifying and completely
debilitating for its sufferers.
 Effects bed partners as well with consistent
snoring gasping and choking
sounds.
Sleep Apnea

3.  Those who are more obese are prone to
Sleep Apnea, with about 70% of obese
people living with the condition.
 Heart disease and stoke sufferers are
likely to have sleep Apnea as well.
 Commonly an adult disease, though there
are children know to have Sleep Apnea.
Who Gets Sleep Apnea?

4. Obstructive Sleep Apnea – OSA
 Most common form of Sleep Apnea
 Occurs when the soft tissues in the back
of the throat relax to much during sleep,
blocking and restricting breathing.
Types of Sleep Apnea

5. Central Sleep Apnea
 Most severe form of Sleep Apnea.
 NOT a blockage of the airway, but rather,
the brain does not signal the sleeper to
breath while sleeping.
 Characterized by a lasp in breathing
longer than 20 seconds.
Types of Sleep Apnea

6.  Short term memory loss
 Weight gain
 Excessive Daytime Sleepiness – EDS
 Dry mouth
 Sore throat
 High blood pressure
 Depression
 Diabetes
Sleep Apnea Symptoms

7. Epworth Sleepiness
Scale
An 8 question guide
to help measure the
extent of sleep
related issues. The
higher the score, the
more likely you are to
have Sleep Apnea.
Diagnosing Sleep Apnea

8. Polysomnoghaphy – PSG
A Sleep Study where the person is evaluated
during sleep for:
 Frequency of breathing
 Brain waves
 Eye movement
 Snoring
 Muscle activity
 Oral and nasal flow
 Blood oxygen levels
Diagnosing Sleep Apnea

9. Behavior Changes
 Because Sleep Apnea is often seen in obese
people, it is important to make dietary
changes. Exercise is also strongly
recommended.
 Sleep Environment is also important. A
comfortable sleep atmosphere such as good
bedding, a dark room and
complete silence has been
shown to promote sleep health.
Sleep Apnea Treatment

10. CPAP Equipment
CPAP is the most popular form of non-
surgical Sleep Apnea treatment. Standing
for “Constant Positive Airway Pressure”, a
CPAP keeps the palate, tissues and nose
open, making it possible for the person to
breath properly.
Sleep Apnea Treatment

11. CPAP Equipment
Sleep Apnea Treatment

12. Sleep Apnea Surgery
 Although surgical procedures are very
effective, they are often the last resort in
the treatment of Sleep Apnea.
 Also, like any surgery, they come with
risks such as infection, scarring, pain and
missed time from work.
Sleep Apnea Treatment

13. Sleep Apnea Surgery
 Nasal Airway Surgery
 Tongue Reduction Surgery
 Palate Implants
 Tracheostomy
 Maxillomandibular Advancement
 Bariatric Surgery
Sleep Apnea Treatment

14.  Sleep apnea can be very serious.
However, following an effective treatment
plan often can improve your quality of life.
 Follow up with your doctor regularly to
make sure your treatment is working. Tell
him or her if the treatment is causing
bothersome side effects.
Living with Sleep Apnea

15.  http://www.webmd.com/sleep-
disorders/sleep-apnea/sleep-apnea
 http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sleep-
apnea/DS00148
 http://sleepapnea.com/
 http://www.stanford.edu/~dement/apnea
.html
References