Obstructive sleep apnea affects millions of people in the United States, but people still know little about this disorder. By understanding OSA, you can be aware of symptoms to watch for and know how serious losing sleep can be for your overall health. Remember, we have the experience and knowledge to identify and treat obstructive sleep apnea so you can rest easy once again.
5 Facts About Sleep Apnea
- The disorder can cause you to stop breathing at night: The disorder develops when the soft tissues in your mouth and the back of your throat become overly relaxed, collapsing and blocking airflow. You then stop breathing for brief intervals, until the brain registers the lack of oxygen and wakes you up in response.
- Losing weight can help reduce symptoms: Often obesity is a common factor behind OSA; so losing weight can reduce the symptoms. Other lifestyle changes may include sleeping on your side instead of your back, maintaining a regular sleep schedule, and keeping your bedroom dark and cool.
- Snoring may be a warning sign: Chronic snoring is often a common warning sign. Other possible symptoms may include drowsiness, moodiness, difficulty concentrating, and episodes of waking up gasping for air or choking.
- Lack of sleep leads to serious complications: When you lose sleep due to sleep apnea, you may eventually develop higher blood pressure, which increases the risk of heart and stroke. In addition, depression is also associated with OSA. Ignoring your sleep problems can lead to more than just exhaustion; your overall health can suffer as well.
- The issue can be treated multiple ways: We will need to assess the factors behind your sleep issue, as well the severity, before recommending treatment. We may suggest a CPAP machine or an oral appliance to address your sleep apnea issues.
