Common Cause
- Obesity (BMI > 28)
- Short jaw
- Neck circumference > 40cm (Around 16 inches)
- Tonsillar hypertrophy
- Uvula is too long
- Nasal polyps
- Nasal septum deviation
Symptoms during Sleep
- Loud snoring
- Hand and feet struggling, body roll-overs
- Neck bend backwards and use mouth to breathe
- Waking up frequently to urinate, or even urinary incontinence
Symptoms during daytime
- Morning headaches, fatigue
- Often sleepy, can doze off anywhere, even suddenly fall asleep
- Feeling irritable, depressed or having mood swings or personality change
- Loss of interest in sex
Long-term effects
- Pulmonary hypertension
Hypoxia occurs in sleep apnea and leads to the contraction of pulmonary artery. When the pulmonary artery pressure is over 25mmHg, pulmonary hypertension forms. This leads to the cardiopulmonary load gradually increase, with associated complications occur. - Cor pulmonale
This means cardiopulmonary disease. Because of long-term pulmonary hypertension, this leads to right ventricular heart failure. - Respiratory failure
Further damage to the respiratory function, leading to hypoxia and/or retention of carbon dioxide that causes respiratory failure. - Diabetes
Due to the frequent breathing pauses during sleep, this causes hypercapnia and hypoxemia. Hence affecting insulin secretion and functioning, forming a series of metabolic disorders. - Hypertension
Blood pressure continues to be greater than or equal to 140/90 mmHg when measured at stationary state - Arrhythmia
Sleep apnea can lead to abnormal heart rhythm occurring form the cardiac origin. The cardiac frequency, rhythm and fibrillation can change as well. - Stroke
The body has long-term hypoxia and increased blood viscosity. Blood clots form easily, leading to blood vessel blockage or rupture in brain. Hence, stroke occurs.