What is Sleep Apnea 

This is a condition of temporary closure of the upper respiratory passage airway during sleep. This leads to frequent cessation of breathing for ten seconds or more (apnea). Apnea events of 20 per hour is pathological. It can lead to serious life long complications which are preventable through treatment. 

The seriousness of Obstructive Sleep Apnea is often ignored because of the humorous nature of the two primary complaints by patients (snoring and sleepiness). Patients often suffer for years before getting help!

Patient Complaints

Night time sleep is rarely refreshing 

Light sleep and frequent interruptions, fatigue and lack of energy 

Daytime sleepiness and a choking sensation at night 

Dry throat in the morning 

Frequent headaches 

Poor work performance 

Reduction in mental concentration, alertness, and memory

Spouse/Bed Partner Complaints

Loud excessive snoring 

Daytime sleepiness 

Jerky leg movements while asleep 

Patient stops breathing while asleep 

Restless sleep at night

Causes and Association of Obstructive Sleep Apnea 

Obstructive Sleep Apnea is caused upper respiratory airway structure collapse due to loss of pharyngeal muscular tone during sleep. This is often observed in overweight males, particularly those individuals with large necks. 

Frequency 

Obstructive Sleep Apnea affects 1% to 2% of the total population. 5% (one in twenty) of the target population (i.e.. Males between age 25 and 55, being overweight) are affected. 

Complications and Progression 

Air/oxygen deficiency for various body tissues particularly vital organs (heart and brain) leads to high blood pressure, hearth problems and possible stroke. There is also an increased percentage of narcolepsy like syndromes. 

Deprivation of Deep Sleep Stages 

Patients are often prone to motor vehicle accidents and industrial occupational injuries because of sleepiness. Effects of Obstructive Sleep Apnea are often equal to the effect of alcohol intoxication on motor performance. 

Behavioral Problems, Presentation 

Patients are often suffering from the following: 

Home Environment - a couple are frequently sleeping apart because of loud snoring 

Work Environment - poor job performance (person is often perceived as being "lazy" 

Socially Observed - irritability, poor tolerance, loss of interest, unable to socialize because of fatigue and sleepiness (depression often prevails)

Moderate Form of Obstructive Sleep Apnea is helped through alcohol elimination, weight reduction and regular exercise. Avoiding susceptible body position (back position) during sleep also helps. 

Severe Form of Obstructive Sleep Apnea is treated by the use of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP). This prevents collapse of upper respiratory passage airway during sleep by maintaining positive airway pressure. 

Referral Procedures 

Through your own family physician 

Self referral in special circumstances

Consultation and sleep tests are covered by OHIP 

Treatment with CPAP devices, when the test is performed in a registered facility, is eligible for 75% coverage by the Ontario Ministry of Health Assistive Devices Program. Medical private insurance plans often cover the remaining 25% of the cost.

Some sedative and night time sleeping medication may worsen the condition. Alcohol further aggravates Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

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