HEALTH & WELLNESS Warning signs of sleep apnea for the spouse
DR. MICHAEL DOBLIN
Obstructive sleep apnea and its primary symptom of snoring can be a big concern as well as an annoyance for the spouse of one afflicted with this pathophysiological condition. Snoring is an indication that the airway in the rear of the soft palate where the uvula is( the bell in the rear of the throat), is constricted and not allowing the air to maximally be inhaled. This constriction is similar to the reduced airflow when one is blowing into a woodwind instrument, such as a clarinet. Here, the sound emitted is a result of pressure being applied to the reed( wood) on the mouthpiece, causing a constricted airflow, and consequently causing the reed to vibrate and make the corresponding sound. When a person is snoring, it is their soft palate that is vibrating due to the constriction of the airway, and the sound produced can be extremely loud.
Snoring, although the most obvious sign of obstructive sleep apnea, is not the only observable indication that someone has the condition. In order to recognize additional signs, it is best to understand the cycle of obstructive sleep apnea. When a person with obstructive sleep apnea falls asleep, their tongue and soft palate relaxes and collapses into the back of the throat initiating this constricted airway, consequently snoring through a partially closed airway, which is hypopnea. It then further closes to the point that the back of the throat is totally closed, and this is apnea. At this stage, no air( oxygen) is getting in, which is hypoxia. The brain recognizes the lack of oxygen and automatically arouses the person, who is in a semi-conscious state, so that they will start breathing. To compensate for the diminished oxygen, the brain then signals the person to start hyperventilating in order to increase the amount of oxygen. In this cycle, people will observe their spouse stop breathing, then choke to clear their airway, and then breathe rapidly after they have stopped breathing. Also, because of the stress that the person has, due to their inability to breathe, they often have a restless sleep, moving their legs, or switching from side to side.
Obstructive sleep apnea affects one third of all adults and the consequences, if left unchecked, are numerous. The pathology due to lack of oxygen includes:
• heart disease
• stroke
• cancer
• depression
• type 2 diabetes
• memory / concentration issues
• daytime drowsiness( accident prone)
• decreased libido and sexual disfunction
• obesity
• hypertension
• dementia
• sudden death while sleeping
If you have witnessed any of the previously noted symptoms, it behooves you to notify your spouse, as they may not be aware of the signs in a semi-conscious state of sleeping. Insist that your spouse get tested and treated for sleep apnea as it will save their life and you will no longer be subjected to the annoying noise and movements of your spouse when they are sleeping.
Dr. Michael Doblin has been involved exclusively in treating snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. He is dedicated to educating people and helping them sleep better.
84 NEW JERSEY COPS ■ JANUARY 2018