Sleep Apnea
It is an unfortunate truth that many people living with sleep apnea do not know they have it until they experience serious symptoms and health problems. Sleep apnea is easy to go undetected because many people don’t realize daytime sleepiness, excess fatigue or morning headaches have anything to do with a lack of quality sleep. If you are experiencing these symptoms, you may need to talk to us and explore sleep apnea treatment options.
Sleep Apnea Symptoms
One of the most common symptoms of sleep apnea is loud snoring. If you have a bad habit of snoring and have tried changing sleep positions or used snoring devices, you may have a chronic sleep condition. Other symptoms of sleep apnea include:
- Waking up at night
- Problems with memory
- Insomnia
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Mood changes
- Bouts of fatigue
- Long pauses in breathing
- Episodes of gasping
Who is affected by obstructive sleep apnea?
Around 25 percent of men and close to 10 percent of women suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, a condition that can impact people of all ages, including infants, kids, and particularly those over 40 and who are overweight. Individuals with this condition often display specific physical characteristics and clinical signs, such as being overweight, having a thick neck, and structural irregularities that restrict the upper airway. These irregularities may involve nasal blockage, a drooping soft palate, enlarged tonsils, or a small jaw with an overbite.
What is the cause of obstructive sleep apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea happens when the airway is obstructed, usually because the soft tissue at the back of the throat collapses during sleep. In contrast, central sleep apnea is often observed in patients with central nervous system issues, like those who have had a stroke or have neuromuscular diseases. It is also common in individuals with heart failure and other cardiac and pulmonary conditions.
Common Co-morbidities
- High blood pressure
- Stroke
- Diabetes
- Fatigue
- Erectile dysfunction
- Weight gain
- Death