Bigg Boss 19: Amaal Mallik reveals he has sleep apnea and uses CPAP; know all about the disorder

Amaal Mallik opens up about living with sleep apnea on Bigg Boss 19. Here's what the condition means and how it's managed with a CPAP machine. (Image: Amaal Malik/ Instagram)

In the latest episode of Bigg Boss 19, contestant Amaal Mallik shared that he suffers from sleep apnea, a disorder that disrupts sleep as breathing repeatedly stops and starts due to insufficient oxygen. Amaal revealed that he relies on a CPAP machine to manage his condition. Here’s everything you need to know about his disorder, its symptoms, and treatment…

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a serious disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. This prevents the body from getting enough oxygen, causing the brain to briefly wake you so you can breathe. Over time, this disrupts a healthy sleep cycle and can lead to further health problems

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There are three types of sleep apnea:

- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA): Occurs due to a blocked airway

- Central sleep apnea (CSA): Occurs when brain fails to send signals to the muscles that control breathing

- Mixed/complex sleep apnea: A combination of both

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

• Loud snoring
• Shortness of breath
• Dry mouth or sore throat
• Interrupted sleep
• Fatigue during the day
• Morning headaches
• Mood swings and irritation
• Low libido

Breathing devices, such as Continuous Positive Air Pressure (CPAP), are often used to manage symptoms, though they are not an absolute cure for the condition. CPAP machines use mild air pressure to keep the airways open and ensure proper oxygen flow while you asleep. Common lifestyle changes are also recommended to patients to help treat the condition.

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A CPAP machine includes: 

These machines help manage the quality of sleep, thereby reducing the risk of other diseases and health issues. A CPAP machine includes: a mask that fits over your nose or both the nose and mouth, straps to hold the mask in place, a tube connecting the mask to the machine’s motor, a motor that blows air into the tube, an air filter that purifies the air entering your nose or mouth.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for a specific health diagnosis.