Sleep apnea
Sleep apnea is a common disorder that causes various symptoms, such as daytime fatigue that doesn’t improve even with adequate sleep.
Sleep apnea is diagnosed through a sleep study. The diagnostic criterion is at least a 10-second pause in breathing. The number of breathing pauses in a patient with sleep apnea is as follows:
- 5–15 pauses in mild sleep apnea
- 16–30 pauses in moderate sleep apnea
- More than 30 pauses in severe sleep apnea
Sleep apnea is classified into three types:
1. Obstructive Sleep Apnea:
Caused by the narrowing of the upper airways. Despite breathing efforts, air does not circulate due to obstructions, commonly when the tongue falls back into the throat, blocking the airway.
2. Central Sleep Apnea:
Caused by a disruption in the brain’s regulation of breathing. During a pause in breathing, there are no respiratory movements.
3. Mixed Sleep Apnea:
A combination of obstructive and central sleep apnea.