Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. These breathing pauses can last from a few seconds to minutes and may occur 30 times or more an hour. The most common type is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), where the throat muscles relax and block the airway. Central sleep apnea occurs when the brain doesn't send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. Complex sleep apnea syndrome, also known as treatment-emergent central sleep apnea, occurs when someone has both obstructive and central sleep apnea. Left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to serious health complications including high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and liver problems.

Treatable Condition
Expert Care Available
CausesSymptomsDiagnosisTreatmentHome CarePreventionSurgery

Get Expert Care Today

Connect with our specialists for personalized treatment and diagnosis

What Causes It?

Obesity - Excess weight is the most common cause of obstructive sleep apnea in adults, as fat deposits around the upper airway can obstruct breathing.

Enlarged tonsils or adenoids - Particularly common in children, enlarged tonsils and adenoids can block the airway during sleep.

Anatomical features - A naturally narrow airway, large tongue, recessed chin, or deviated septum can predispose individuals to sleep apnea.

Age - Sleep apnea becomes more common as you age, with risk increasing significantly after 40.

Family history - Sleep apnea can run in families, suggesting a genetic component.

Gender - Men are two to three times more likely to have sleep apnea than women, though women's risk increases after menopause.

Smoking - Smokers are three times more likely to have obstructive sleep apnea than non-smokers due to increased inflammation and fluid retention in the upper airway.

Alcohol or sedative use - These substances relax throat muscles, potentially worsening obstruction.

Nasal congestion - Difficulty breathing through the nose can contribute to sleep apnea.

Medical conditions - Conditions like heart failure, Parkinson's disease, and prior stroke can increase the risk of central sleep apnea.

Hormonal disorders - Conditions like hypothyroidism and acromegaly can increase risk by causing tissue swelling in the airway.

Signs & Symptoms

Loud snoring - Often a key indicator of obstructive sleep apnea, though not everyone who snores has sleep apnea.

Episodes of breathing cessation during sleep - Often reported by another person.

Gasping for air during sleep - Choking or gasping sounds as breathing resumes after a pause.

Awakening with a dry mouth or sore throat - Due to mouth breathing during sleep.

Morning headache - Caused by low oxygen levels during sleep.

Difficulty staying asleep (insomnia) - Often due to breathing difficulties or frequent awakenings.

Excessive daytime sleepiness (hypersomnia) - Difficulty concentrating and falling asleep during routine activities.

Irritability and mood changes - Due to poor sleep quality and quantity.

High blood pressure - Sleep apnea stresses the cardiovascular system.

Decreased libido or impotence - Linked to lower oxygen levels and disrupted sleep.

Night sweats - Excessive sweating during sleep.

Frequent need to urinate at night (nocturia).

Difficulty concentrating during the day.

How We Diagnose

Our specialists use advanced diagnostic methods to accurately identify and assess your condition

Sleep History and Physical Examination

Your doctor will review your sleep patterns, symptoms, and medical history. The physical exam will focus on your upper airway, neck circumference, and respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Your doctor may also ask your sleeping partner about your sleep behaviors.

Polysomnography (Sleep Study)

This comprehensive overnight test, performed in a sleep lab, monitors brain activity, eye movements, heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, body movements, and breathing patterns during sleep. It is the gold standard for diagnosing sleep apnea and determining its severity.

Home Sleep Apnea Testing (HSAT)

A simplified version of a sleep study that can be done at home. It typically monitors breathing patterns, oxygen levels, and heart rate but doesn't measure brain activity. This may be suitable for some patients with a high probability of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea.

Imaging Studies

CT scans or MRI might be used to examine the structure of your airway, particularly if surgical treatment is being considered or if there are concerns about anatomical abnormalities.

Endoscopy

During a drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE), a flexible tube with a camera is inserted through the nose while you're sedated to identify the specific site of obstruction in your airway.

Treatment Options

Personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific needs and condition

1

Lifestyle Modifications

For mild cases or as a complement to other treatments, lifestyle changes can be effective. These include weight loss for those who are overweight, regular exercise, avoiding alcohol and sedatives before bedtime, smoking cessation, treating nasal allergies, and sleeping on your side instead of your back.

2

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)

The most common and effective treatment for moderate to severe sleep apnea, CPAP involves wearing a mask over your nose and/or mouth during sleep. The mask is connected to a machine that delivers a continuous flow of air pressure just enough to keep the upper airway tissues from collapsing during sleep.

3

Oral Appliances

These custom-fitted dental devices reposition the lower jaw and tongue to help keep the airway open during sleep. They are most effective for mild to moderate sleep apnea and may be an option for those who cannot tolerate CPAP.

4

Adaptive Servo-Ventilation (ASV)

For central sleep apnea or complex sleep apnea, this more advanced airway pressure device learns your normal breathing pattern and stores it in a built-in computer. When you fall asleep, the machine uses pressure to normalize your breathing pattern and prevent pauses in your breathing.

Home Remedies

Sleep Position

Sleeping on your side instead of your back can help prevent the tongue and soft tissues from blocking the airway. Using a body pillow or tennis ball technique (sewing a tennis ball into the back of your pajamas) can help maintain side sleeping.

Weight Management

Even modest weight loss can significantly improve symptoms for overweight individuals with sleep apnea. Focus on a balanced diet and regular physical activity under the guidance of healthcare professionals.

Elevate the Head of the Bed

Raising the head of your bed by 4-6 inches, or using a wedge pillow, may help reduce snoring and improve breathing by allowing gravity to help keep the airway open.

Avoid Alcohol and Sedatives

These substances relax the muscles in the throat and can worsen sleep apnea. Avoid consuming them at least 4 hours before bedtime.

Establish Regular Sleep Patterns

Going to bed and waking up at consistent times helps regulate your body's sleep cycle. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night and create a relaxing bedtime routine.

Prevention Tips

Maintain a healthy weight through proper diet and regular exercise.

Avoid alcohol, smoking, and sedatives, especially before bedtime.

Establish regular sleep patterns with consistent bedtime and wake-up times.

Sleep on your side rather than your back to keep your airway open.

Treat chronic nasal congestion, allergies, or other conditions that can interfere with breathing.

Use a humidifier in your bedroom if you live in a dry climate or experience nasal dryness.

Practice good sleep hygiene, including a comfortable sleep environment and limiting screen time before bed.

If you have CPAP or another treatment device, use it consistently and as prescribed.

Have regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor your condition and adjust treatment as needed.

If you're at high risk for sleep apnea, consider periodic screening even without symptoms.

Surgical Solutions

Advanced surgical procedures performed by our expert specialists

Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP)

A surgical procedure that removes excess tissue from the soft palate and throat to widen the airway. This may include removal of the tonsils and adenoids if they're contributing to the obstruction. UPPP is typically considered when other treatments have failed and is most effective for patients with obstruction in the palate area.

Maxillomandibular Advancement (MMA)

A more extensive surgical procedure that moves the upper and lower jaws forward to enlarge the airway space. This is typically reserved for patients with severe sleep apnea who haven't responded to other treatments but can be highly effective with success rates comparable to CPAP.

Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation

A relatively new treatment involving implantation of a device that stimulates the nerve controlling tongue movement. The device senses breathing patterns and stimulates the tongue to move forward during inhalation, keeping the airway open. This is suitable for patients with moderate to severe OSA who cannot use CPAP.

Radiofrequency Ablation

A minimally invasive procedure that uses low-intensity radiofrequency energy to shrink and tighten excess tissue in the soft palate, tongue base, or nasal turbinates. This creates scar tissue that stiffens the treated area, reducing collapse during sleep.

Palatal Implants

Small rods are inserted into the soft palate to stiffen it and reduce tissue vibration and collapse. This relatively simple procedure is performed under local anesthesia and may be suitable for those with mild to moderate sleep apnea related to soft palate issues.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Our specialists are here to provide expert care for sleep apnea. Schedule your consultation today.

Book Appointment OnlineCall: (040) 4402 0000

📞 Available Hours

Monday - Saturday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Sunday: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM