Sleep Apnea

What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a characterized by stopped or slowed breathing during sleep. When breathing stops, you wake up, which causes sleep to become fragmented and less restful. Patients with sleep apnea often snore and may suffer from daytime drowsiness and morning headaches.

• What Causes Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
• How Is Sleep Apnea Treated?

What Causes Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Blocked or narrowed airways in the nose, mouth or throat can cause sleep apnea. The airway can become blocked when your throat muscles and tongue relax during sleep. Sleep apnea can also occur if you have large tonsils or adenoids or a large uvula. In children, the main cause of sleep apnea is large tonsils or adenoids.
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How Is Sleep Apnea Treated?

Your doctor will probably examine you and ask about your past health. He or she may also ask you or your sleeping partner about your snoring and sleep behavior and how tired you feel during the day. You may be able to treat mild sleep apnea by making changes in how you live and the way you sleep. For example:

• Lose weight if you are overweight
• Sleep on your side and not your back
• Avoid alcohol and medicines such as sedatives before bed

If lifestyle changes do not help sleep apnea, you may be able to use an oral breathing device which may help keep your airway open while you sleep. This treatment is called continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP. Sometimes medicine that helps you stay awake during the day may be used along with CPAP. If your tonsils, adenoids, uvula or other tissues are blocking your airway, your doctor may suggest surgery to open your airway.
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