Sleep Apnea
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Ben Kermani, MD
Internist located in Las Vegas, NV
About Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing or shallow breaths while you sleep. These interruptions can last for a few seconds to minutes and may occur dozens or even hundreds of times throughout the night. Sleep apnea can disrupt your sleep cycle and prevent you from getting restorative sleep, leading to excessive daytime fatigue and increasing the risk of other health problems.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is the most common form of sleep apnea. It occurs when the muscles at the back of your throat relax excessively during sleep, causing a temporary blockage or narrowing of the upper airway. This blockage reduces airflow to the lungs, leading to breathing pauses. After a pause, you may gasp, snore, or wake up briefly to resume normal breathing.
Risk factors for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
Obesity may be a cause of OSA as the extra fat around the neck can increase the likelihood of airway obstruction. Genetics and age can play a role as can one’s gender with men being more likely to have OSA- though the risk for women increases after menopause.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Loud snoring is a hallmark of OSA. There may be choking or gasping for air during sleep or pauses in breathing. Upon waking, dry mouth and morning headaches are another sign. Individuals suffering from OSA tend to have excessive daytime sleepiness and difficulty concentrating.
Complications of Untreated Sleep Apnea
If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to serious health problems, including: OSA puts a strain on the cardiovascular system, increasing the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and irregular heartbeats. Sleep apnea can contribute to insulin resistance, thus giving rise to Type 2 Diabetes. The lack of restorative sleep can affect memory and concentration. Sleep deprivation can interfere with appetite-regulating hormones, leading to increased hunger and overeating.
Diagnosis of Sleep Apnea:
The most definite test for OSA is a Sleep Study The most definitive test, where you spend the night in a sleep lab, and various body functions (brain activity, breathing patterns, heart rate, etc.) are monitored while you sleep. Subsequently, Dr. Kermani will advise you on the next steps.
Besides medical interventions, lifestyle changes play a key role. Reducing excess weight can help decrease the severity of obstructive sleep apnea. Quitting smoking is also key as smoking can increase inflammation and fluid retention in the airway, worsening sleep apnea.
If you or a loved one experiences symptoms of sleep apnea, please call our office at (702)435-1995 so that one of our friendly staff will schedule an appointment with Dr. Kermani at our office in the Southern Highlands and Las Vegas area.
