Full Notes
Matt Walker on Sleep Apnea
- Sleep apnea: a disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep
- Obstructive sleep apnea: caused by a blockage in the airway
- Central sleep apnea: caused by the brain not sending proper signals to the muscles that control breathing
- Consequences of sleep apnea:
- Fragmented sleep, leading to daytime sleepiness and cognitive impairment
- Increased risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and diabetes
- Negative impact on mood and mental health
- Diagnosis and treatment:
- Sleep study to diagnose the severity of sleep apnea
- Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy: the most common and effective treatment
- Delivers a constant flow of air through a mask to keep the airway open
- Can be uncomfortable, but compliance is crucial for effective treatment
- Lifestyle changes: weight loss, avoiding alcohol and sedatives, and positional therapy
- Surgical options: uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), genioglossus advancement (GA), and maxillomandibular advancement (MMA)
- Reserved for severe cases or when other treatments have failed
- Can have significant side effects and recovery time
- Importance of treating sleep apnea:
- Improved sleep quality, cognitive function, and overall health
- Reduced risk of long-term health complications
- Enhanced mood and mental well-being
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