In an interview on dzMM's "Magandang Gabi Dok," Dr. Mike Sarte, a sleep medicine specialist, explained the symptoms and causes of sleep apnea, and how it can cause death.
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing. Although it does not cause immediate death, it can trigger serious health problems.
Symptoms
Sarte said that the symptoms of sleep apnea include snoring, witnessed apnea, and daytime sleepiness. He added that all these symptoms are experienced by a person before he or she can be diagnosed with sleep apnea.
He explained that snoring is normal, but habitual snoring is not.
"Ito yung kapag madalas na humihilik, yung tuwing matutulog, naghihilik. Tapos sobrang lakas humilik, na kahit isarado mo na ang pinto, pakinig mo pa rin."
"Yung witnessed apnea, iyun yung nakikita ng ibang tao, pwedeng iyung bed partner mo, na bigla na lang tumitigil ang paghinga mo. Iyung humihilik ka, tapos biglang titigil, tapos hihilik ulit," Sarte added.
Daytime sleepiness is when a person feels sleepy or falls asleep any time within the day.
"May mga tao na biglang nakakatulog. Ang tawag dun, microsleep. Delikado yun kasi sa US, isa ito sa causes ng motor vehicle accidents, yung falling asleep while driving."
Sarte added that people who are diagnosed with sleep apnea shouldn't be allowed to drive.
What happens when we sleep?
Sarte explained that people normally go through different cycles of sleep, known as the non-REM (rapid eye movement) sleep and REM sleep.
Non-REM sleep is the transition from being awake to being asleep. REM is when people go on a deep sleep, when they start dreaming.
People with sleep apnea do not reach both cycles.
"Kung may sleep apnea, hindi ka umaabot sa REM or non-REM stage. Tumunog lang ang cellphone mo, magigising ka kaagad. Hindi talaga nakakatulog," Sarte said.
He added that what's important for people is the quality of sleep, as the duration differs from person to person.
"Una, yung quality. Pangalawa, yung duration, pero depende yun sa tao. At least 5 to 8 hours, pero may mga taong okay na sila sa 5 hours of sleep."
Causes
Sarte said that sleep apnea can be caused either by genetics, or by excess weight.
People who experience soft tissue collapse in their nose and throats may suffer from sleep apnea, as their airways may be obstructed.
Having large tonsils can also obstruct airways.
"Karamihan sa mga humihilik, nakabukas ang bibig kasi naba-block ang ilong. We are preferential nasal breathers."
Sarte added that some children have excess tissues in their throat and nose, which make sound when they breathe.
Men who are overweight are also more prone to sleep apnea, as the excess weight in the body puts more pressure on the area around the nose and throat.
"Kapag humihinto sa paghinga, bumababa ang oxygen level at nagkakaproblema ang puso. It also causes arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat)."
What makes sleep apnea deadly?
Although sleep apnea as it is does not cause sudden death, it can be deadly as it causes complications like hypertension, Type II diabetes, congestive heart failure and stroke.
Sarte said that losing weight can help a lot in preventing sleep apnea.
He also advised against eating heavy dinner, drinking too much alcohol, and smoking a lot before sleeping.
Those who suffer from sleep apnea because of genetic causes can undergo surgery to remove excess tissues that block the airways.
He added that sleeping on one's side can help clear the airways and can prevent snoring.
One can also use a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine, which is attached to a mask worn over the mouth and nose that pushes air through the nose and airways.
This machine facilitates continuous sleep, and prevents pauses in breathing.
Sarte said that this machine is locally available, and can be bought for about P40,000 to P45,000.
source: www.abs-cbnnews.com
