Sleep Apnea vs. Sleepwalking: What’s the Difference?

Blog Post:

Sleep is a crucial part of our daily routine and is essential for our physical and mental well-being. However, for some people, sleep can be disrupted by various sleep disorders. Two common sleep disorders that often get confused are sleep apnea and sleepwalking. While both conditions involve sleep disturbances, they are two distinct sleep disorders with different causes and symptoms. In this blog post, we will delve into the differences between sleep apnea and sleepwalking, so you can better understand these conditions.

Sleep Apnea:

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that affects approximately 22 million Americans. It is characterized by pauses in breathing or shallow breathing during sleep. These pauses can last for a few seconds to a few minutes and can occur multiple times throughout the night. There are three types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), central sleep apnea (CSA), and complex sleep apnea syndrome (CSAS).

OSA is the most common type of sleep apnea and is caused by a blockage in the airway, usually due to the relaxation of the throat muscles. This blockage can cause loud snoring and pauses in breathing. CSA, on the other hand, occurs when the brain fails to send signals to the muscles that control breathing. This can be due to a problem with the brainstem or a medical condition. CSAS is a combination of OSA and CSA, where a person experiences both obstructive and central sleep apnea.

Symptoms of sleep apnea include loud snoring, gasping for breath during sleep, daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, and irritability. OSA is more common in people who are overweight, have a family history of sleep apnea, or have a narrow airway. CSA, on the other hand, is more common in people with heart or neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease or stroke.

If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to serious health problems, including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. It can also increase the risk of accidents due to daytime sleepiness. Treatment for sleep apnea may include lifestyle changes, such as weight loss and avoiding alcohol before bedtime, or the use of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine to keep the airway open.

Sleepwalking:

Sleep Apnea vs. Sleepwalking: What's the Difference?

Sleepwalking, also known as somnambulism, is a sleep disorder that causes a person to engage in complex behaviors while asleep. These behaviors can range from simple actions, such as sitting up in bed, to more complex activities, such as walking, cooking, or even driving a car. Sleepwalking usually occurs during deep sleep, and a person may not remember the episode the next day.

The exact cause of sleepwalking is not fully understood, but it is believed to be a result of a disruption in the normal sleep cycle. Factors such as stress, sleep deprivation, and certain medications can also contribute to sleepwalking. It is more common in children than adults and tends to run in families.

Symptoms of sleepwalking include getting out of bed and walking around, talking or shouting, and performing routine activities while asleep. A person may also appear dazed and confused when woken up during a sleepwalking episode. In most cases, sleepwalking is harmless, but it can lead to injuries if a person engages in potentially dangerous activities while asleep.

Treatment for sleepwalking may include addressing any underlying health issues, such as anxiety or sleep disorders, that may be contributing to the episodes. Creating a safe sleep environment, such as removing obstacles from the bedroom, can also help prevent injuries during sleepwalking episodes. In some cases, medication may be prescribed to help with sleepwalking.

The Difference between Sleep Apnea and Sleepwalking:

While both sleep apnea and sleepwalking can disrupt a person’s sleep, they are two distinct sleep disorders with different causes and symptoms. Sleep apnea is caused by a blockage in the airway or a problem with the brainstem, while sleepwalking is believed to be a result of a disruption in the normal sleep cycle. Additionally, sleep apnea is more common in adults, while sleepwalking is more common in children.

Another key difference between these two sleep disorders is the potential health risks associated with them. Untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious health problems, while sleepwalking is usually harmless, although it can lead to injuries in some cases.

Summary:

Sleep apnea and sleepwalking are two common sleep disorders that often get confused. Sleep apnea is characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep, while sleepwalking involves complex behaviors performed while asleep. Sleep apnea is caused by a blockage in the airway or a problem with the brainstem, while sleepwalking is believed to be a result of a disruption in the normal sleep cycle. Treatment for sleep apnea may involve lifestyle changes or the use of a CPAP machine, while treatment for sleepwalking may include addressing underlying health issues or creating a safe sleep environment.