Overview

Main types: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Central Sleep Apnea. It disrupts sleep cycles and lowers oxygen supply to the brain and heart.

Causes

• Obesity (major risk factor)
• Enlarged tonsils or adenoids
• Nasal obstruction
• Brain signaling failure (central apnea)

Symptoms

• Loud snoring
• Choking or gasping during sleep
• Daytime sleepiness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Morning headaches

Treatment: Modern Medicine

• Diagnosis: Polysomnography (sleep study)
• Treatment:
  • CPAP machine (gold standard)
  • Weight loss, positional therapy
  • Surgery (UPPP, nasal correction)
  • Oral appliances for jaw alignment

Treatment: Traditional Medicine

• Ayurveda: Yoga, Pranayama (esp. Bhramari), Triphala, Tagara
• Siddha: Herbal sedatives, diet control
• Unani: Sleep tonics; Sharbat Aamla
• TCM: Acupuncture, Rehmannia root, Lotus seed
• Homeopathy: Lachesis, Opium (based on case)
• Nutraceuticals: Magnesium, Vitamin D, Melatonin, Omega-3

Caution

• Never ignore chronic snoring and fatigue
• Sleep apnea increases heart attack and stroke risk

Prevention

• Maintain healthy weight
• Avoid alcohol and sedatives
• Sleep on your side