Sleep Apnea
Description
Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops or becomes very shallow during sleep. This can cause loud snoring, gasping for breath, or pauses in breathing that wake you up briefly. Because of these interruptions, people with sleep apnea may feel very tired during the day, have trouble concentrating, or wake with headaches. Risk factors include being overweight, having a thicker neck, smoking or alcohol use, nasal congestion, and family history; it can be obstructive or, less commonly, central. If you notice these symptoms, consult a doctor in India; many sleep clinics in government and private hospitals can arrange an overnight sleep study to help diagnose the condition.
Common Symptoms
Loud snoring
Choking, gasping, or snorting during sleep
Pauses in breathing during sleep
Excessive daytime sleepiness or fatigue
Morning headaches
Difficulty concentrating or memory problems
Irritability, mood changes, or depression
Frequent nighttime urination (nocturia)
Insomnia or restless sleep
Note: This is general information. If you notice several of these symptoms, please consult a qualified doctor or local healthcare provider in India. They may evaluate you at a sleep clinic in a government or private hospital and may suggest tests such as an overnight sleep study (polysomnography) or home sleep apnea testing.
Causes
Sleep apnea usually happens when the airway is blocked or narrowed during sleep, often due to relaxed throat muscles or nasal obstruction.
Major risk factors include overweight or obesity and a larger neck size, which make airway obstruction more likely.
Other factors: male gender, older age, and a family history of sleep apnea.
Anatomical issues such as enlarged tonsils/adenoids (especially in kids), a small jaw, or nasal congestion can contribute.
Habits like smoking and regular alcohol use, plus conditions like hypertension and diabetes, increase risk; if you have concerns, please consult a doctor in India.
Treatment Options
Sleep apnea is usually managed with a mix of lifestyle changes, devices, and sometimes surgery.
Lifestyle measures include losing weight if overweight, regular exercise, avoiding alcohol and sedatives, good sleep hygiene, and sleeping on the side; treating nasal allergies can also help.
The most common long-term treatment is a sleep apnea machine that delivers air pressure (CPAP or BiPAP) to keep the airway open during sleep; in India these are prescribed through sleep clinics and tertiary care centers.
Some people use oral appliances that move the jaw forward, fitted by a dentist trained in sleep medicine in Indian cities.
In children, removing enlarged tonsils and adenoids is a common surgical option when indicated; other airway surgeries may be considered in adults if needed.
Medications are not the primary treatment, but may be used to address contributing conditions; always consult a qualified doctor in India for personalized guidance and follow-up.