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
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
