UNDERSTANDING SLEEP APNEA AND ITS IMPACT ON DAILY LIFE

1. INTRODUCTION

Sleep apnea is a misunderstood and common condition that affects your daily life. This leads to various health issues that are characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing when you sleep. Sleep Apnea can significantly impact your overall well-being if left untreated. This article discusses how sleep apnea affects daily life and why it is important to treat it in time to improve your quality of life.

2. PHYSICAL HEALTH

When the upper airway during sleep gets blocked partially or completely, sleep apnea occurs, which leads to a pause in breathing. This pause lasts from a few seconds to minutes and happens multiple times at night. There are two types of sleep apnea, namely Obstructive Sleep Apnea OSA) and Central Sleep Apnea CSA with OSA being common among individuals. Sleep Apnea affects daily life as it impacts physical health. If there are repeated disruptions in breathing, then it leads to:

• Low blood oxygen level
• Increase in heart rate
• High blood pressure

This contributes to the development of various cardiovascular problems, including heart disease, stroke, hypertension, etc., over time. There is an increased risk for other health conditions like Obesity, Metabolic syndrome, and Type 2 diabetes as well. The effects of sleep apnea also steers day time symptoms like:

• More daytime fatigue and sleepiness.
• Due to a change in the oxygen levels, you wake up with an headache and have disrupted sleep patterns.
• During the day, you will face difficulties to concentrate, focus and cognitive function.
• You might feel anxiety or depression, irritated and even mood swings.
• Less performance and Libido.

3. DAILY ACTIVITIES

If you feel tired or lack energy or feel sleepy during the day, then it means you have sleep apnea. This affects:

• Work Performance: Cognitive functions, memory, and decision-making abilities are impaired due to sleep apnea which makes it difficult to optimally perform at work or school. This leads to a decrease in productivity, absenteeism, and increased risk of workplace mistakes or accidents.
• Social and Emotional Well-being: More than the body and brain, sleep apnea affects your emotions and relationships as well. You will feel strained and lonely. It makes it harder to get along with your friends, family, and coworkers as you feel tired and grumpy.

4. SEEKING TREATMENT FOR SLEEP APNEA

To manage sleep apnea and improve your daily life, there are various effective treatments available:

• Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Theraphy: In this, a machine delivers a stream of air via a mask that is worn by the nose or mouth, keeping the airway open during sleep.
• Oral Appliance Therapy: The airway is kept open by repositioning the tongue or jaw when you sleep with the help of a custom-fit appliance.
• Lifestyle Modifications: Sleep apnea symptoms can be reduced when you sleep on your side, avoid alcohol or sedatives before bedtime, and manage your weight.
• Surgical Interventions: Anatomical issues that contribute to sleep apnea are addressed by surgical procedures in some cases and include the removal of excess tissue and repositioning of structures in airway.