You’ve probably heard of sleep apnea, but what about hypopnea? Hypopnea is a sleep disorder that is often associated with sleep apnea.
There are two types of hypopnea: obstructive and central. Obstructive hypopnea is the more common type and is caused by an obstruction in the airways.
On the other hand, central hypopnea is a less common type that occurs when the brain doesn’t send the right signals to the muscles that control breathing.
Both types of hypopnea can lead to several health problems, so you must get checked out if you think you might be suffering from this disorder.
Overview of Hypopnea
Hypopnea is a sleep disorder often characterized by a more than 50% decrease in breathing for at least 10 seconds. This decrease can lead to a significant drop in blood oxygen levels, which can cause many health problems.
Hypopnea is a condition that various things can cause, but in most cases, it is caused by an obstruction in the airway, also known as obstructive hypopnea. The cause of this can be allergy symptoms, a cold, or sleep apnea, all of which can result in insomnia.
If you think you might be experiencing hypopnea, it’s important to consult a doctor online for diagnosis and treatment. There are many insomnia treatments online, and most people can see significant improvements in their symptoms with treatment.
Related: How To Get Tested For Sleep Apnea
Symptoms and Causes of Hypopnea
Hypopnea is a sleep disorder characterized by a decrease in airflow of at least 30% for at least 10 seconds. Along with snoring, hypopnea is one of the most common symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
There are several potential causes of hypopnea, including obesity, nasal congestion, smoking, and drinking alcohol. It’s also worth noting that pregnancy can cause hypopnea, as can certain medications, such as sedatives and antihistamines.
If you are experiencing hypopnea symptoms, you must see a doctor for a diagnosis. Hypopnea can lead to serious health problems, such as high blood pressure and heart attack.
Diagnosis of Hypopnea
If you are experiencing hypopnea, the first step to a diagnosis is to speak with a healthcare professional, who will guide you through the process. The doctor will likely perform a physical exam and ask questions about your medical history, symptoms, and lifestyle habits.
They may also order tests such as arterial blood gas, pulse oximetry, or an electrocardiogram (ECG) to check your oxygen saturation and heart rate.
If the physical exam and tests do not produce conclusive results, your doctor may refer you to a sleep specialist for further evaluation. SleepRx Florida sleep specialists can then use a polysomnography (PSG) test to measure your breathing patterns during sleep and diagnose hypopnea.
The PSG test is usually administered in a sleep clinic and monitored by trained professionals who can diagnose your condition accurately.
Related: What is Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI)
Treatment Options for Hypopnea
You may wonder how to treat it best if you’ve been diagnosed with hypopnea. Fortunately, there are many options available. One of the most common is to have a Home Sleep Apnea Test (HSAT).
As part of this test, you will be asked to set up sensors and monitors in your home over the course of the night to measure your breathing patterns. If your doctor discovers that you suffer from hypopnea as a result of your test, he or she may recommend other treatments, such as CPAP therapy or an at home sleep study, to treat your condition.
CPAP is an effective treatment for hypopnea and involves wearing a mask that gently forces air into your lungs while you sleep, helping to keep your airways open.
As an alternative, an At-Home Sleep Study (AHSS) may be recommended if more in-depth monitoring is required. During this test, sensors are attached to paths in the body that monitor your body’s responses while sleeping to determine the best course of treatment.
Related: What Are The Side Effects Of Insomnia?
How to Prevent Hypopnea
Prevention of hypopnea starts with better sleep hygiene. Improving your sleeping environment by using blackout curtains, reducing noise levels, and keeping the temperature cool can help create an optimal sleeping environment.
In addition, avoiding stimulants like caffeine and nicotine late in the day can regulate your circadian rhythm and help you fall asleep faster. Regular exercise is also important as it helps burn off stress-inducing hormones like cortisol and helps keep the body in prime condition for restful sleep.
Finally, relaxation techniques like deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation can also help reduce tension and promote deep sleep.
Related: Insomnia and Sleep Apnea
Conclusion
Hypopnea is a sleep disorder that occurs when breathing slows significantly or stops for a period of time during sleep. It is a type of sleep-disordered breathing.
Hypopnea can occur in people of all ages, but it is more common in older adults. The condition can cause several problems, including sleepiness during the day, difficulty concentrating, and an increased risk of accidents.
Hypopnea is often treated with lifestyle changes, such as avoiding alcohol and caffeine, quitting smoking, and losing weight. Positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy may be recommended in some cases. PAP therapy is a type of treatment that uses a machine to deliver air pressure through a mask during sleep.
If you think you may have hypopnea, talk to a sleep medicine doctor at SleepRx today.
