Recognizing And Treating Unexpected Sleep Apnea For Better Sleep

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National Sleep Awareness Week, observed from March 12 to 18, is a timely reminder of the importance of quality sleep and its profound impact on overall health. One of the most prevalent and often undiagnosed sleep disorders is sleep apnea. If you or a loved one experience frequent fatigue, loud snoring or disrupted sleep, being able to understand sleep apnea and its effects could be life-changing.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a chronic sleep disorder that causes repeated pauses in breathing while asleep. These pauses, called apneas, can linger anywhere from several seconds to more than one minute and may occur numerous times per hour, disrupting normal sleep cycle patterns. There are three main kinds of sleep apnea disorders:

  • Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): This is considered the most common kind. It arises as the throat muscles relax excessively, leading to a blocked airway and restricted airflow.
  • Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): Unlike OSA, CSA is caused by a failure in the brain’s signaling process, preventing the body from making regular breathing efforts during sleep.
  • Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome: This kind is also referred to as treatment-emergent central sleep apnea. This version is comprised of both OSA and CSA disorders.

Signs and Potential Risks

Sleep apnea often goes unnoticed because its symptoms primarily occur during sleep. Some common indicators include:

  • Loud, persistent snoring
  • Gasping or choking during sleep
  • Excessive fatigue during the day
  • Morning headaches
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Mood changes such as irritability or depression

Certain factors increase the likelihood of experiencing sleep apnea, such as:

  • Being overweight or obese
  • Having a thick neck or narrow airway
  • Family history of sleep apnea
  • Smoking or excessive alcohol use
  • Chronic nasal congestion
  • Age (more common in older adults)
  • Gender (men are typically at higher risk than women)

Why Sleep Apnea Is Considered To Be Dangerous

Ignoring sleep apnea may result in serious health issues, such as:

  • Cardiovascular Problems – Sleep apnea increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and irregular heart rhythms.
  • Diabetes – Interrupted sleep patterns can contribute to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
  • Mental Health Disorders – Poor sleep quality is linked to anxiety, depression and cognitive decline.
  • Daytime Accidents – Excessive daytime sleepiness increases the risk of accidents while driving or operating machinery.

How Sleep Apnea Is Diagnosed and Treated

To determine if you have sleep apnea, a healthcare provider may recommend a sleep study. This diagnostic test, known as polysomnography, monitors your breathing patterns, oxygen levels and brain activity while you sleep. Depending on the situation, testing can be done in a specialized sleep clinic or with an at-home monitoring device.

Once diagnosed, treatment plans are tailored to the severity of the condition and individual needs. Common approaches include:

  • Making Lifestyle Adjustments: Simple changes like maintaining a healthy weight, reducing alcohol intake, quitting smoking and sleeping in a different position—such as on your side—can help alleviate mild sleep apnea symptoms.
  • Using a CPAP Machine: The most widely used treatment, CPAP therapy, known as continuous positive airway pressure, employs a mask to provide a consistent flow of air, helping to maintain an open airway while you sleep.
  • Oral Appliance Therapy: A sleep specialist may recommend a custom-fitted device that repositions your jaw and tongue to prevent airway collapse.
  • Surgical Interventions: In more severe cases, procedures such as removing excess throat tissue, repositioning the jaw or implanting nerve stimulation devices may be necessary to restore normal breathing patterns.

The Role of National Sleep Awareness Week

National Sleep Awareness Week is a crucial opportunity to educate the public about sleep disorders like sleep apnea. If left untreated, sleep apnea can severely impact one’s health and quality of life. This week serves as a reminder to prioritize sleep, recognize warning signs and seek appropriate treatment.

Call Today!

If you believe you might be dealing with a sleep apnea disorder, now is the perfect time to take action. We invite you to schedule a consultation with our sleep specialist and take those all important steps toward a healthier, more restful sleep. Your refreshed mind and body will thank you!