Sleep Apnea

Sleep Apnea

Are you drowsy during the day with no clear explanation? Do you snore loudly or wake up breathless in the middle of the night? If you experience any of these symptoms, you may be one of more than twelve million Americans affected by sleep apnea.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a condition in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, sometimes as many as twenty to thirty times per hour. Each time breathing stops, oxygen levels drop, signaling the brain to briefly wake the body to restart breathing.

Because these awakenings are very brief, most people do not remember them and may believe they are sleeping through the night. However, this repeated wake sleep cycle prevents deep, restorative sleep and often results in excessive daytime fatigue.

Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

The following symptoms may indicate the presence of sleep apnea. If you experience one or more of these, please contact our practice for an evaluation.

• Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
• Loud or chronic snoring
• Waking up short of breath
• Snorting or choking sounds during sleep
• Morning headaches
• Falling asleep unintentionally during the day
• Extreme daytime drowsiness

Types of Sleep Apnea

There are three primary types of sleep apnea:

• Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) — The most common type, caused by a physical blockage of the airway, often due to collapsing soft tissue in the back of the throat.
• Central Sleep Apnea (CSA) — Occurs when the brain does not send proper signals to the muscles responsible for breathing.
• Complex or Mixed Sleep Apnea — A combination of both obstructive and central sleep apnea.

Risk Factors for Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is more common in men than women and is more frequently diagnosed in adults over forty. However, sleep apnea can affect people of any age or gender.

Additional risk factors include obesity, smoking, alcohol consumption, use of sedatives or tranquilizers, and family history. Central sleep apnea is more commonly associated with heart conditions, neuromuscular disorders, stroke, or brain tumors.

Is Sleep Apnea Dangerous?

Sleep apnea is considered a serious medical condition. If left untreated, it can contribute to high blood pressure, increased risk of heart attack and stroke, and chronic fatigue.

Ongoing sleep deprivation may affect performance at work or school and increase the risk of accidents while driving or operating machinery. Sleep apnea can also complicate medical procedures, particularly those involving anesthesia or sedation. If you suspect you have sleep apnea, it is important to inform your healthcare providers before undergoing surgery or taking certain medications.

Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea

Treatment depends on the severity and type of sleep apnea. In mild cases, behavioral changes may be recommended, such as weight loss, quitting smoking, reducing alcohol use, or sleeping on your side instead of your back.

Oral appliances may be used to reposition the jaw and tongue to keep the airway open during sleep. In more severe cases, surgical treatment may be necessary to address airway obstruction.

Concerned About Sleep Apnea?

If you suspect that you or a family member may be suffering from sleep apnea, please contact our practice to schedule a complimentary sleep consultation. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve health, energy levels, and overall quality of life.