Sleep is that golden chain that ties HEALTH and our BODIES together” as quoted by Thomas Dekker
If this golden chain is broken, our health falls apart. Sound sleep is a critical component of our health as we spend 25%- 35% of our lives in sleeping. Sleep is the time when our body and brain rest and detoxify from stress. We all know, trouble sleeping can cause various health problems but we don’t know if left untreated, the consequences are life threatening. There are many causes for disturbed sleep but one of the most common is “OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA” and people know very little about it.
OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA (OSA)
Obstructive sleep apnea is the term used to define cessation of breathing (interrupted breathing) during sleep. People with sleep apnea stop breathing repeatedly during their sleep, sometimes hundreds of times which mean brain and the rest of the body may not get enough oxygen.
WHAT WOULD HAPPEN THEN?
Our brain uses 20% of body’s oxygen supply. Without it the brain is not able to perform basic function i.e. to metabolise glucose, and therefore cannot convert glucose into energy. It’s the glucose that powers the brain cells to function properly (planning and thinking, maintaining heart rate and digestion, etc).
Because of sleep apnea you would experience the following:
- Loud snoring;
- Episodes in which you stop breathing during sleep;
- Gasping for air during sleep;
- Awakening with dry mouth;
- Headaches in the morning after waking up;
- Difficulty staying asleep (insomnia);
- Excessive daytime sleepiness (hypersomnia) and lack of energy during day;
- Difficulty paying attention while awake;
- Irritability;
- Forgetfulness, mood changes, irritability; and
- Sleepiness while driving.
RISKS OF UNTREATED SLEEP APNEA
- Brain fog (confusion, disorientation and frustration);
- Three times greater risk of stroke;
- High blood pressure;
- Type-2 Diabetes;
- Cardiac arrhythmias;
- Obesity;
- Impotence;
- Congestive heart failure;
- Early death;
- Worsening of asthma and COPD; and
- Fatal road accidents while driving.
RISK FACTORS FOR DEVELOPING OSA
- Age 40- 70 years;
- Commercial motor vehicle driver;
- Family history of obstructive sleep apnea;
- Male gender;
- Obese (BMI index > 35);
- Hypothyroidism;
- Nasal Congestion;
- Post menopausal woman not taking hormone therapy;
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS);
- Retrognathia (abnormal positioning of maxilla or mandible);
- Drugs e.g., alcohol, benzodiazepines, muscle relaxants, testosterone therapy; and
- Down’s syndrome.
HOW COMMON IS OSA IN INDIA?
In a study reported in 2015, prevalence rate of obstructive sleep apnea was found to be 3.42%. This suggests that in India, up to about 34 million people may be suffering from OSAS. Despite being a common disease, a large number of OSAS cases, an estimated 82%, are not diagnosed due to lack of diagnostic facilities.
HOW OSA IS DIAGNOSED?
Along with the history of signs and symptoms, a gold standard test called POLYSOMNOGRAPHY is conducted. During this sleep study, the patient is connected to equipment which monitors their heart, lung and brain activity, breathing patterns, arms and leg movements, and blood oxygen levels while you sleep.
TREATMENT FOR OSA
Yes, there is treatment for OSA and it depends on the cause resulting this. It may range from:
Lifestyle changes-
- Lose weight, if you are overweight;
- Use nasal decongestant or allergy medications;
- Don’t sleep on your back;
- Exercise regularly;
- Quit smoking; and
- Don’t drink alcohol;
THERAPIES
- CPAP machine application during sleep;
- Respiratory exercises by physiotherapist;
- Oral appliances by dentist; and
- Surgical interventions.
Thus, if you wish to be healthy, take care of your sleep. A good night sleep ensures a better rejuvenated body!
[POOJA BAJAJ is Senior Neuro-physiotherapist, Head Clinical Neuro rehab, AktivHealth]