Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing or shallow breaths during sleep, which can prevent the body from getting enough oxygen. People with sleep apnea might experience loud snoring, poor sleep quality, daytime fatigue, and morning headaches. Treatment options include lifestyle changes, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, oral appliances provided by a dentist, and surgery. Maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, and avoiding alcohol and sedatives before sleep are crucial lifestyle factors in managing sleep apnea.

Common Questions & Answers

What are the main types of sleep apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by a mechanical problem that blocks the airway. Central sleep apnea occurs when the brain fails to send necessary messages to muscles that control breathing. And complex sleep apnea is a combination of the two.

Symptoms of sleep apnea include loud snoring, dry mouth upon waking, morning headaches, daytime fatigue, irritability, and issues with concentration and memory. People with sleep apnea also stop breathing briefly during sleep, leading to repetitive snorting and gasping for air.

If left untreated, sleep apnea can increase your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, type 2 diabetes, glaucoma, cancer, and depression. It can also increase your risk of daytime accidents due to chronic fatigue.

To diagnose sleep apnea, your doctor begins by gathering your full medical history and conducting a physical examination. After these steps they may request a sleep study, known as a polysomnography, either in a sleep disorders clinic or at home.

Lifestyle changes, including losing weight (especially in people with obesity), exercising regularly, quitting smoking, avoiding alcohol and sedative medications later in the day, and sleeping on your side, can help alleviate symptoms of sleep apnea.

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Resources
  1. Sleep Apnea. Mayo Clinic. April 6, 2023.

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