Sleep Apnea

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. The most common type, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), occurs when the throat muscles intermittently relax and block the airway during sleep, leading to repeated awakenings throughout the night. Central sleep apnea (CSA) is less common and involves the brain failing to signal the muscles to breathe.

Sleep apnea can lead to poor sleep quality, excessive daytime sleepiness, and an increased risk of other health conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.

Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

- Loud snoring

- Episodes of stopped breathing during sleep, often witnessed by another person

- Gasping or choking sounds during sleep

- Frequent awakenings during the night

- Excessive daytime sleepiness or fatigue

- Morning headaches

- Difficulty concentrating

- Irritability or mood changes

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Sleep Apnea

In TCM, sleep apnea is viewed as a result of imbalances in the lung, spleen, and kidney systems, which can lead to the accumulation of phlegm or dampness that obstructs the airways. Sleep apnea may also be caused by Qi and blood deficiency, leading to weakened lung function and an inability to maintain proper breathing during sleep.

TCM Diagnosis and Approaches:

- Phlegm-Dampness Accumulation: When the spleen is weak, it may produce excess dampness and phlegm, which can accumulate in the lungs and airways, causing obstruction and breathing difficulties during sleep.

Herbs: Formulas like Er Chen Tang (Two-Aged Decoction) are used to transform phlegm, clear dampness, and strengthen the spleen and lungs. This formula includes herbs like Ban Xia (Pinellia Rhizome) and Chen Pi (Tangerine Peel).

- Kidney Yang Deficiency: The kidneys play a crucial role in maintaining respiration, and a deficiency in kidney yang can lead to weak or irregular breathing, which contributes to sleep apnea.

- Acupuncture: Acupuncture points such as Ren 17 (Shan Zhong), Bladder 13 (Fei Shu), and Kidney 3 (Tai Xi) are used to tonify the lungs and kidneys, resolve phlegm, and support proper breathing.

- Qi and Blood Deficiency: Deficiency in Qi and blood can weaken the lungs and impair respiratory function, leading to disrupted breathing during sleep.

- Moxibustion Therapy: Moxibustion can be used to tonify the kidneys and lungs, warm the body, and improve overall respiratory function, reducing symptoms of sleep apnea.

Lifestyle Recommendations

- Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce the accumulation of phlegm and improve respiratory function, which may alleviate sleep apnea symptoms.

- Dietary Therapy: Consuming foods that reduce phlegm and support lung and kidney health, such as pears, radishes, and ginger, can help alleviate symptoms of sleep apnea.

- Breathing Exercises: Practices like qigong and controlled breathing exercises can improve lung capacity and support healthy respiration during sleep.