Sleep and Breathing

Normal breathing is absolutely critical to the restorative process that sleep provides and which allows you to wake up refreshed. Breathing disorders during sleep, or Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB), affects 1 out of 10 people that you know, similar to the prevalence of Asthma. It is a serious medical condition that requires immediate treatment in order to avoid the inevitable consequences of the disease. The most common form of SDB is Sleep Apnea and Snoring.

Sleep Apnea

The airway from the nose down into the lungs is a sensitive mechanism. When awake, the muscles in the airway keep it open and allow us to breathe normally.

When we sleep, and especially in dream sleep (REM), the muscles relax. Obstructive Sleep Apnea occurs when the softer tissues of the upper airway collapse and close off the airway. A relatively small collapse can cause snoring and generally increases the required breathing effort.

­­­­­­Full closure of the airway may prevent breathing for extended periods, or until the brain detects the hazardous state and temporarily wakes up, allowing you to gasp for air. These arousals are generally too short for one to remember in the morning.

Snoring

Snoring is a milder form of Sleep Disordered Breathing. Individuals suffering from untreated Sleep Apnea generally snore loudly. However, not all snorers have Sleep Apnea. Snoring can be very disruptive both for the snorer and for the bed partner.

Signs and Symptoms of SDB

One or more of the following symptoms are indications of SDB

• Pauses in breathing during sleep
• Loud snoring
• Choking or gasping during sleep
• Memory, learning and concentration problems
• Mood swings, irritability or depression

Weight Gain & Type 2 Diabetes

Individuals suffering from untreated SDB often develop insulin resistance, which prevents them from losing weight. Research shows that up to 65% of individuals with Type 2 Diabetes suffer from SDB and that treating the breathing disorder often allows for weight reduction and healthier life.

Blood Pressure & Heart Disease

Sleep is one of the primary mechanisms for blood pressure control. When it is disrupted it loses that function causing excessive strain on the heart and vessels. SDB is strongly linked to Hypertension, a chronic increase in blood pressure. People suffering from SDB are much more likely to develop Hypertension. Research shows that 65% of individuals with Hypertension also have SDB and that up to 85% of the individuals that do not respond to blood pressure medications may have SDB. Heart Diseases and sudden nocturnal death are also strongly linked to SDB.

Stroke

Patients that have had a stroke are very likely to get Sleep Apnea and individuals suffering from SDB are at an increased risk of having a stroke, in part due to the increased strain put on the vessels in the brain.

Read about Therapies for Sleep Disorders >> 

More from the National Institute of Health >>