Health for the Whole Family
November 2013
Sleep Apnea Wake Up Call
Your snores could be a sign of a potentially serious condition. If they are loud and punctuated by
periods of silence, it might be time to get tested for sleep apnea, a potentially serious sleep disorder
that is tied to a higher risk of stroke, heart attack and early death. While there is no cure, [FIRST
Jane-Marie Raley, DO, an osteopathic Family physician provides tips to help manage this chronic
condition, avoid serious complications, and get a good night’s sleep.
Sleep Apnea Snapshot
According to Dr. Raley, there are two main types of sleep apnea. The most common form,
obstructive sleep apnea, occurs when throat muscles relax and the airway collapses or becomes
blocked while sleeping. “This obstruction causes shallow breathing or breathing pauses. Sufferers
are left snorting, choking or gasping, five to 30 times or more each hour, all night long,” says Dr.
Raley. “Conversely, the second most common type, central sleep apnea, occurs when your brain
doesn't send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. As a result, sufferers don’t breathe
for brief periods of time,” she continues. Who is affected by this sleeping disorder? “People who are
overweight and small children who have enlarged tonsil tissues in their throats are the most
commonly affected by obstructive sleep apnea, while studies have shown people with a history of
heart failure and stroke are the most at risk for central sleep apnea,” says Dr. Raley.
Sleep Apnea Symptoms
Most people who have sleep apnea are unaware they have it, since most of the symptoms occur
during sleep. Dr.Raley recommends asking a family member or bed partner to help you note these
common signs:

Excessive daytime drowsiness and sleepiness (which could lead to a motor vehicle accident)

Loud snoring

Breathing pauses during sleep

Abrupt awakenings accompanied by shortness of breath

Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat

Difficulty staying asleep (insomnia)

Attention problems or hyperactivity (which is common in children with the disorder)

Poor memory
“If you are experiencing breathing problems during sleep or suspect you might have sleep apnea,
you need to consult a medical professional immediately,” advises Dr. Raley. “Your lungs may not
receive enough air if the airway is partially or fully blocked during sleep, and as a result, a drop in
your blood oxygen level can occur. These frequent drops in your blood oxygen level and reduced
sleep quality can trigger the release of stress hormones, which raise your heart rate and increase your
risk for high blood pressure, stroke, and heart attack,” she explains. “Treatment is necessary to avoid
these complications.”
Evaluation and Treatment Options
While severe cases of sleep apnea might require surgery or an airway pressure device to regulate
breathing while you sleep, in some cases, self-care may be the most appropriate treatment. To
alleviate the symptoms of sleep apnea, Dr. Raley suggests these tips:

Lose excess weight. Even a slight loss in excess weight may help improve constriction of
your throat.

Exercise (but not before bedtime). Getting 30 minutes of moderate activity, such as a brisk
walk, most days of the week may help ease obstructive sleep apnea symptoms.

Avoid alcohol, caffeine and certain medications like sleeping pills, which relax the muscles in
the back of your throat, interfering with breathing.

Sleep on your side or stomach rather than on your back. Sleeping on your back can cause
your tongue and soft palate to rest against the back of your throat and block your airway.

Keep your nasal passages open at night. A saline nasal spray can help; however, avoid Afrin.

Stop smoking. Smoking worsens obstructive sleep apnea.

Make your bedroom a place to sleep, not to work or watch television.
Solution for Better Sleep
“If you’re not getting enough rest, then there might be a real problem with your health,” says Dr.
Raley. “Chronic daytime sleepiness and fatigue is not normal. Discuss your sleeping habits with your
physician. Together, you can find a solution for better sleep.”
Preventive medicine is just one aspect of care osteopathic physicians provide. DOs are fully licensed
to prescribe medicine and practice in all specialty areas, including surgery. DOs are trained to
consider the health of the whole person and use their hands to help diagnose and treat their patients.