Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition where the upper airway repeatedly closes during sleep, making it difficult for individuals to maintain restful sleep. Dr. Philp Alapat, a sleep expert and associate professor at Baylor College of Medicine, discussed the signs and available treatments for OSA as part of Sleep Awareness Month.
According to Dr. Alapat, symptoms of OSA can range from feeling unrefreshed after sleeping to experiencing poor daytime function, difficulty staying alert, or increased daytime sleepiness. He said, “Basic symptoms may include anything from unrefreshing sleep to poor daytime function, inability to maintain alertness or increased daytime sleepiness.”
Dr. Alapat emphasized that those who experience persistent daytime tiredness or have been told about possible symptoms should consult their physician for evaluation.
The primary treatment for OSA remains Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), which uses air pressure to keep the airway open during sleep. For patients unable to use CPAP or a mandibular advancement device such as a mouthguard, hypoglossal nerve stimulation is an alternative option. Dr. Alapat explained, “The patient gets a nerve stimulator surgically implanted into their chest wall, which then stimulates the hypoglossal nerve, which controls some of the muscles that maintain upper airway patency. This nerve stimulator is turned on before you go to sleep and turned off after you wake up.”
For patients with obesity and OSA, weight loss is an important aspect of treatment. Dr. Alapat noted recent developments in medications: “Some recently approved weight loss medications have specifically been looked at for their effect on those with obstructive sleep apnea. Studies have shown that patients who can use these medications to lose weight are able to improve their sleep apnea.”
If left untreated, OSA can lead to long-term health problems such as high blood pressure and increased risk of strokes or heart attacks.
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