There are three forms of sleep apnea: central (CSA), obstructive (OSA), and complex or mixed sleep apnea (i.e., a combination of central and obstructive) constituting 0.4%, 84% and 15% of cases respectively. In CSA, breathing is interrupted by a lack of respiratory effort; in OSA, breathing is interrupted by a physical block to airflow despite respiratory effort, and snoring is common.
Regardless of type, an individual with sleep apnea is rarely aware of having difficulty breathing, even upon awakening. Symptoms may be present for years (or even decades) without identification, during which time the sufferer may become conditioned to the daytime sleepiness and fatigue associated with significant levels of sleep disturbance.
The following symptoms are signs of Sleep Apnea
If you feel that you may be experiencing any of the these symptoms, take the Epworth sleepiness test, or call our offices to schedule a consultation.
The most common sleep disorders include:
Bruxism: The sufferer involuntarily grinds his or her teeth while sleeping. Delayed sleep phase syndrome (DSPS): A sleep disorder of circadian rhythm, characterized by the inability to wake up and fall asleep at the desired times, but not by inability to stay asleep. Hypnagogia: vivid hallucinations whilst falling asleep. Hypopnea syndrome: Abnormally shallow breathing or slow respiratory rate while sleeping. Insomnia: While not considered a sleep disorder in its own right, insomnia is characterized by the inability to fall asleep and/or remain asleep for a reasonable amount of time. Jet lag or desynchronosis: Temporary condition resulting in out of sync sleep patterns as a result of rapidly traveling across multiple time zones. Narcolepsy: The condition of falling asleep spontaneously and unwillingly. Night terror or Pavor nocturnus or sleep terror disorder: abrupt awakening from sleep with behavior consistent with terror. Parasomnias: Include a variety of disruptive sleep-related events. Periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD): Involuntary movement of arms and/or legs during sleep. See also Hypnic jerk, which is not a disorder. Rapid eye movement behavior disorder (RBD): Acting out violent or dramatic dreams while in REM sleep. Restless legs syndrome (RLS): An irresistible urge to move legs while sleeping. Often accompanies PLMD. Shift work sleep disorder (SWSD). Sleep apnea: The obstruction of the airway during sleep. Sleep paralysis: Conscious paralysis upon waking or falling asleep. Sleepwalking or somnambulism: Engaging in activities that are normally associated with wakefulness (such as eating or dressing), which may include walking, without the conscious knowledge of the subject. Snoring: Loud breathing patterns while sleeping, sometimes accompanying sleep apnea.
Treatments for sleep disorders generally can be grouped into three categories: 1) behavioral/ psychotherapeutic treatments, 2) medications, and 3) other somatic treatments. None of these general approaches is sufficient for all patients with sleep disorders. Rather, the choice of a specific treatment depends on the patient's diagnosis, medical and psychiatric history, and preferences, as well as the expertise of the treating clinician. In general, medications and somatic treatments provide more rapid symptomatic relief from sleep disturbances. On the other hand, some emerging evidence suggests that treatment gains with behavioral treatment of insomnia may be more durable than those obtained with medications.
Some sleep disorders, such as narcolepsy, are best treated pharmacologically, whereas others, such as chronic and primary insomnia, are more amenable to behavioral interventions. The management of sleep disturbances that are secondary to mental, medical, or substance abuse disorders should focus on the underlying conditions. For most sleep disorders, behavioral/psychotherapeutic and pharmacological approaches are not incompatible and can be effectively combined to maximize therapeutic benefits.
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