Treating Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS): Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
In obstructive sleep apnea (OSA0 closed throat passages prevent normal airflows to the lungs. As the throat closes and oxygen levels decline in OSA the throat muscles contract. These sudden throat muscle contractions open the airway letting the air rush in and causing a distinctive gasping sound. In some cases of obstructive sleep apnea this can happen hundred of times a night. The hallmark symptom of OSA is excessive snoring punctuated by gasping sounds.The constant partial wakening keeps the people with OSA from reaching the deeper, more restful stages of REM sleep. The process usually takes place below the level of awareness with OSA patients usually only aware that they need to sleep during the day, have problems concentrating and thinking, are moody and/or have high blood pressure. Untreated sleep apnea in combination with high blood pressure can lead to heart and lung damage.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea is Caused by several factors, not all of which are known. Some cases of OSA may occur because the the brain is not signaling the body to breath deeply enough. Because fatty throat deposits narrow the airway being overweight is a high risk factor for OSA. Other risk factors included large neck circumference, loud snoring, high blood pressure or a family history of sleep apnea. About twice as many men as women have OSA.
Treatments for Mild Sleep Apnea
Losing Weight – Since OBS is often but not always associated with being overweight, losing weight can dramatically improve OBS in some people. Even a little weight loss can be very beneficial.Avoid Sleeping on Your Back – Dr. Teitelbaum recommends wrapping a ball in some cloth and then sewing it to the mid-back of your sleeping attire.
Orthodontic Mouthpieces – that keep the lower jaw and tongue forward can help stop the throat from closing in on itself.
Avoid Alcohol Shortly Before Going to Bed – alcohol accentuates the effects of OSA.
Treatments for Moderate to Severe Sleep Apnea
CPAP Machines - Continuous Positive Air Pressure (CPAP) devices are the most commonly used treatment for sleep apnea. The CPAP machine contains a mask that blows air into your throat at a pressure designed to keep the throat passages open. Some side effects (stuffy nose, stomach bloating, sore eyes, headaches) can occur but many resolve with adjustments to the machine or as your tolerance to the machine increases over time.Surgery– surgical procedures to remove obstructions (large tonsils, adenoids and other tissues) can resolve sleep apnea for some.
Sleep Intro / Alternative Sleep Treatments / Go to Sleep Prescriptions
(This and all sections of the Phoenix Rising website are compiled by a layman. They are not a substitute for a physician and are for informational uses only. Please discuss any treatments in these pages with your physician.)
_____________________________________National Heart Lung and Blood Institute.
Jacob Teitelbaum, 2007, From Fatigued to Fantastic 3rd ed., Avery Publishers.