Sleep Apnea is More Than Just Snoring

Farron Hipp:

Sleep apnea is a common disorder that we typically associate with loud snoring, but our next guest says it involves much more than that. So here to discuss the symptoms and treatment options is Dr. Nektarios Demetriou with Millennium Physician Group. Thank you for being with us again today, doctor.

Dr. Nektarios Demetriou:

You’re welcome. Thank you for having me.

Farron Hipp:

So I think, like I said, snoring, that’s what we think of when we hear sleep apnea, but there’s a difference in sleep apnea and what you say is obstructive sleep apnea. Tell me about that.

Dr. Nektarios Demetriou:

For sure. So sleep apnea has two categories, central and obstructive. Central sleep apnea is where there are 40 signals from the brain in regards to respirations per se, and as a result of that, it creates an apneic event, meaning that you’re not getting enough oxygen. Whereas obstructive sleep apnea is more to do with the physical distribution of the individual in the sense that if they’re overweight, they’ve got a thick neck circumference, et cetera. And then as a result of that, when they lie down or they’re sleeping, the muscles in the back of the throat are basically softened, and they collapse, obstructing that airway when they’re breathing. Hence, you get that resonant noise of snoring, et cetera.

Farron Hipp:

Okay. So I’m sure there’s a lot of husbands and wives that think they can diagnose this for their significant other.

Dr. Nektarios Demetriou:

That’s true.

Farron Hipp:

But what is the way to actually go about getting a diagnosis? Is it something where people have to go to a sleep lab or see a specialist?

Dr. Nektarios Demetriou:

Well, first off, to even know, to be aware that there’s a presence of sleep apnea is really the question. A lot of the times we actually find out from the spouses where they hear their husband snoring or vice versa. So when that happens, one of the biggest warning signs is when the individual stops breathing in their sleep and they are waking up gasping for air. That’s a big, big warning sign. As a result of that, go straight to your doctor to get evaluated. And then he could either send you home with an actual portable sleep apnea device, where you can actually have a sleep study at home, or you could be referred to a sleep specialist, meaning a pulmonary doctor that specializes in sleep medicine, who will then basically get that set up for you as well. Then you go back, and then you see them for the interpretation of the result.

Farron Hipp:

So once someone gets the result, they know what to do, what are the treatment options from there?

Dr. Nektarios Demetriou:

Typically, CPAP, which is a machine that basically gives positive airway pressure in the mouth to keep the airway open so they get oxygen while they’re sleeping. But secondly, and actually probably even most importantly before CPAP, is losing weight.

Farron Hipp:

Really?

Dr. Nektarios Demetriou:

If you’re overweight, try to lose the weight.

Farron Hipp:

Just a weight loss, that alone?

Dr. Nektarios Demetriou:

In some individuals. You obviously know if you see somebody walking down the road who’s rather obese, you know that person needs to lose weight. If you have somebody who’s slim, let’s just say, but still has an obstructive sleep apnea, then you have to look at why. So it’s not going to be as straightforward a case, but in typical terms, the risk factor for sleep apnea is being overweight, thick neck circumference, et cetera. So if they are overweight, the first step would be to have them lose some weight.

Farron Hipp:

So some people may say, “Well, it’s just snoring. I can get past that. It’s not that crucial.” But there are a lot of other health benefits that come with getting better sleep, right?

Dr. Nektarios Demetriou:

Absolutely.

Farron Hipp:

So it’s important to get this checked on.

Dr. Nektarios Demetriou:

Sleep in itself is regenerative. That’s basically where we recharge our batteries. So a good night’s sleep means the next day you’re ready to go. Obviously, sleep apnea causes lack of oxygen to the brain and also to the heart and to get circulated to all your other areas of your body. As a result of that, it can, over a period of time, cause a lot of symptoms that the patient can exhibit such as morning headaches, fatigue during the day, just constant lethargy, not thinking clearly, inability to exercise. All those factors can start playing into it.

Farron Hipp:

All right. Dr. Nektarios Demetriou, that’s all great advice. Don’t just let that snoring go unanswered, right?

Dr. Nektarios Demetriou:

That’s right.

Farron Hipp:

That’s our solution. Thank you so much. For more information on how to find a physician or schedule an appointment, you can visit millenniumphysician.com. Daytime will be right back.

Announcer:

The preceding portion of Daytime was sponsored by Millennium Physician Group.