Symptoms and Treatment of Severe Sleep Apnea

Are you tossing and turning at night, gasping for air, and feeling exhausted the next day? You might be dealing with sleep apnea, a silent intruder that can disrupt your sleep and wreak havoc on your health. While mild to moderate cases can be managed with lifestyle changes or oral appliances, severe or extreme sleep apnea requires more aggressive treatment.

For those facing severe sleep apnea, ignoring the issue can lead to serious health risks. Recognizing the signs and getting the right treatment is crucial. After all, everyone deserves a good night’s sleep. So, stop sleep apnea from robbing you of all your energy. Tackle severe sleep apnea symptoms head-on by reading our guide.

What is Severe Sleep Apnea?

Severe or extreme sleep apnea is a condition where breathing is frequently interrupted during sleep, leading to significant oxygen deprivation. This can have serious health consequences, including increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and even death.

Differences Between Severe and Mild Sleep Apnea

The severity of obstructive sleep apnea is measured using the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), which counts the number of apneas (pauses in breathing) per hour:

Severity of Sleep Apnea

AHI Range

Mild

5 to 14.9 episodes per hour

Moderate

15 to 29.9 episodes per hour

Severe

30 or more episodes per hour

While a sleep study is the most accurate way to diagnose sleep apnea, there are some common signs and symptoms that may indicate a severe case.

Frequent and loud snoring
Gasping or choking during sleep
Morning headaches
Daytime sleepiness
Difficulty concentrating
Mood changes
Frequent nighttime awakenings
Being told you stop breathing during sleep

Observations from a bed partner that you snore loudly or gasp for air during sleep can point you to a sleep apnea diagnosis.

Severe cases of sleep apnea are marked by more frequent interruptions in breathing, leading to more pronounced symptoms and a higher risk of complications compared to mild cases. Individuals with severe OSA often experience significant daytime fatigue and cognitive impairments due to poor sleep quality.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional for an evaluation. A sleep study can help determine the severity of your sleep apnea and recommend appropriate treatment.

Diagnosing Severe Sleep Apnea

The official diagnosis of severe or extreme sleep apnea typically involves a sleep study, which can be conducted in a sleep laboratory or at home. During a sleep study, various factors are monitored, including breathing, heart rate, oxygen levels, and brain activity.

Breathing - The number, depth, and duration of abnormal breaths are observed.
Heart Rate - Changes in heart rate are recorded.
Oxygen Levels - Blood oxygen levels are measured.
Brain Activity - Brain waves are monitored to assess sleep stages.

Based on the results of the sleep study, a healthcare provider can determine the severity of sleep apnea. A severe or extreme sleep apnea diagnosis indicates that the apnea episodes occur frequently and last for a prolonged period.

Health Risks of Severe Sleep Apnea

Extreme or severe sleep apnea can have a significant impact on your overall health. Some of the potential health risks include heart problems, stroke, and memory problems. Below is an overview of sleep apnea-related health risks.

Heart Problems

When breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep, the body struggles to get enough oxygen, causing the heart to work harder. This increased strain can lead to high blood pressure, as the heart pumps more forcefully to deliver oxygen. Over time, these complications can lead to irregular heart rhythms, heart failure, and increased risk of heart attack.

Stroke

The irregular heart rhythms associated with sleep apnea can increase the risk of blood clots, which can travel to the brain and cause a stroke. A study by Munoz et al. has found that patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea had an increased risk of developing a stroke especially among males who were above 65 years old.

Cognitive Impairment

Sleep apnea can significantly disrupt sleep quality, leading to a range of cognitive problems. Individuals with sleep apnea may experience excessive fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and even memory problems.

Mood Disorders

Sleep deprivation can contribute to mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. A comprehensive review of sleep-related studies has shown that individuals with chronic sleep deprivation are more likely to experience symptoms of depression and anxiety, including feelings of sadness, hopelessness, irritability, and excessive worry.

Increased Risk of Accidents

Sleep apnea can cause excessive daytime sleepiness, increasing the risk of accidents while driving or working.This is because the lack of quality sleep can lead to reduced alertness and impaired judgment.

Treatment Options for Severe Sleep Apnea

Treatment for severe or extreme sleep apnea often involves a combination of approaches. The following are the most popular treatments for sleep apnea.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)

CPAP is the most common treatment for sleep apnea. A CPAP machine delivers pressurized air through a mask, keeping the airways open during sleep.

BiPAP (Bi-Level Positive Airway Pressure)

Similar to CPAP, BiPAP delivers two different levels of pressure,higher when you inhale and lower when you exhale. This can be beneficial for individuals with more complex breathing patterns. Additionally, research has supported the use of BiPAP for individuals who feel discomfort when using CPAP.

Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation Implant (Inspire)

Hypoglossal nerve stimulation is a treatment for obstructive sleep apnea that uses a surgically implanted device to stimulate a nerve under the tongue. This stimulation helps prevent the tongue from blocking the airway during sleep.The only FDA-approved device for this treatment as of 2024 is the Inspire device, which is surgically implanted in the neck and chest and is controlled via remote.

The device consists of a breathing sensor, a pulse generator, and an electrode cuff placed around the distal branch of the hypoglossal nerve. The breathing sensor detects when the person is inhaling and signals the pulse generator. The pulse generator sends an electrical impulse to the electrode cuff, which stimulates the distal branch of the hypoglossal nerve to activate two muscles below the tongue as we see it. This causes the tongue to move forward and the soft palate to lift thus opening the airway and preventing the collapse from occurring that would normally cause a person to snore and stop breathing.

Oral Appliances

For mild to moderate cases, custom-made oral appliances by a trained dentist can help keep the airway open by adjusting the jaw or tongue.

It's important to note that the most effective treatment for severe or extreme sleep apnea will depend on the individual's specific circumstances. A healthcare provider can help determine the best course of action.

Living with Severe Sleep Apnea

Living with severe sleep apnea can be challenging, but with proper treatment and support, it's possible to manage the condition and improve your quality of life. Here are a few more tips for individuals dealing with severe sleep apnea:

Consistently use your CPAP or BiPAP machine as prescribed.
Avoid excessive alcohol consumption and smoking, which can worsen sleep troubles.
Maintain a healthy weight to help reduce the severity of sleep apnea symptoms.
Schedule regular appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor your condition and adjust your treatment as needed.

By taking these steps, individuals with severe sleep apnea can improve their sleep quality and reduce their risk of serious health complications.

Combating Severe Sleep Apnea

It's time to take charge and reclaim your restful nights. Seek professional help to diagnose and treat severe sleep apnea. Remember, early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent serious complications.

A health professional can recommend various treatments, including CPAP, BiPAP, and oral appliances. Adjustments to your lifestyle can also play a role in managing symptoms.

Consult a sleep expert today at nightly.health to learn more about at-home sleep tests and your treatment options. You’re only one call away from feeling refreshed again.

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