Essay On Sleep Apnea

Words: 748
Pages: 3

Sleep apnea is a disorder characterized by the recurrent cessation of ventilation during sleep (White, 2005). There are three primary types: obstructive sleep apnea, caused by an airway blockage by soft tissue; central sleep apnea, caused by inadequate signaling by the respiratory control centre; and complex sleep apnea, a combination of both types (Thomas et al., 2007). The general symptoms include habitual snoring, restless sleep, morning headache, excessive daytime sleepiness and intellectual impairment (Force et al., 2009). There are certain risk factors associated with sleep apnea depending on the type; males and older adults are at a higher risk for both (Canadian Thoracic Society, 2014). The primary organ system impacted by sleep apnea is the respiratory system; specifically, ventilation which moves air through the airways into the alveoli where oxygen and carbon dioxide can be exchanged. Pressure gradients provide the driving force for airflow; air flows in when the pressure in the nose exceeds the pressure in the alveoli. The diaphragm and external intercostal muscles facilitate inhalation by decreasing pleural pressure, and therefore alveolar pressure. The elastic recoil properties of the lungs are sufficient to facilitate exhalation. During …show more content…
Instead of excess carbon dioxide or decreased oxygen stimulating the respiratory centres to breathe, the feedback mechanisms are impaired and inhalation is not appropriately activated to regulate levels. This condition can be caused by a stroke or brain tumour, which can impair the brain’s ability to regulate breathing (Eckert et al., 2007). A Cheyne-Stokes respiration pattern, where hyperpnoea and apnea oscillate, is commonly associated with this condition and is linked to congestive heart failure and stroke (Naughton,