What is Sleep Apnea and is There a Treatment?

Do you often feel exhausted during the day, even after a full night’s sleep? You may be one of the millions of people who suffer from sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a disorder that causes you to stop breathing for short periods of time during your sleep. This can lead to many health problems, including heart disease and stroke.

What are the symptoms of Sleep Apnea?

The most common symptom of sleep apnea is snoring. However, not everyone who snores has sleep apnea. Other symptoms may include:

• Gasping or choking during sleep
• Waking up frequently during the night
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Irritability
• Difficulty concentrating

If you think you may have sleep apnea, it is important to see a doctor. Sleep apnea can be diagnosed with a physical exam and a sleep study. A sleep study is usually done overnight in a hospital or sleep center.

Types of Sleep Apnea

There are two main types of sleep apnea: obstructive and central. Obstructive sleep apnea is the more common type and occurs when your airway becomes blocked during sleep. Central sleep apnea is less common and occurs when your brain does not send signals to your muscles to breathe.

What are the causes of Sleep Apnea?

One of the most common is being overweight. Fat deposits around the neck can cause the airway to become blocked. People with large tonsils or a small jawbone are also at a higher risk for sleep apnea. Smoking and drinking alcohol can also increase your risk of developing this disorder. Other risk factors include:

• A narrow airway
• Family history
• Use of alcohol, sedatives, or tranquilizers
• Smoking

What are the complications of Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea can lead to many health problems, including:

• High blood pressure
• Stroke
• Heart disease
• Irregular heartbeat
• Heart failure
• Diabetes
• Depression

Sleep Apnea Treatment

Fortunately, sleep apnea can be treated. The most common treatment is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). CPAP is a machine that uses mild air pressure to keep your airway open during sleep. Surgery is also an option for some people. If you have sleep apnea, it is important to see a doctor so that you can get the treatment you need. untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious health problems.

In Conclusion

Sleep apnea is a serious disorder that can lead to many health problems. If you think you may have sleep apnea, it is important to see a doctor so they can properly diagnose and treat the condition. There are many different treatment options available, so there is no need to suffer from this disorder any longer!

If you or someone you know has symptoms of sleep apnea, contact your primary care provider or a sleep specialist today for an evaluation