Sleep Apnea Linked to Heart and Lung Disease

Sleep apnea,  a common condition especially in middle aged men, can lead to poor sleep quality and may be related to more serious underlying conditions including heart or lung disease.

Often those with sleep apnea are not aware of their condition until a loved-one noticed they stop breathing for periods of time during sleep.  Apnea is very common and an estimated 24 per cent of middle-aged men and 9 per cent of middle-aged women experience obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), according to the Canadian Sleep Society.

The pauses in breathing can last between 10 and 30 seconds, sometimes longer, and people with OSA can stop breathing dozens or even hundreds of time a nights.  The Canadian Lung Association reports that people with untreated sleep apnea may have reduced cognitive function due to daytime sleepiness and have an increased risk of motor vehicle accidents as well as early death due to cardiovascular disease or hypertension.

Causes of Sleep Apnea

• Relaxed or weakened throat muscles don’t hold airway open
• Tongue blocks airway
• Fatty tissue
• Naturally narrow airway

Males over 40 who are overweight, have a family history of sleep apnea, have large tonsils or a recessed chin are all a greater risk for OSA.   By losing weight, avoiding alcohol and sedatives or by using dental appliances, the risk for apnea can be reduced.   Sleeping on the side and in some cases surgery to remove tonsils or remove some of the soft tissue at the back of the throat may be considered.

For serious OSA, a doctor may recommend a CPAP machine (continuous positive airway pressure) which blows a steady stream of air into the airway through a mask worn at night.  The air flow creates pressure which holds the airway open throughout the night.

For more information about signs, symptoms and treatment of Sleep Apnea, visit the Canadian Lung Association Website at http://www.lung.ca/lung-health/lung-disease/sleep-apnea/signs-and-symptoms .