What is it?
Sleep apnea is condition in which your breathing stops and restarts multiple times while you sleep. There could be as many as 20 to 30 or more times in an hour where these breathing pauses take place (CEDARS LINK). People of any age may be affected but it is more common in adults. While snoring can be a sign of sleep apnea, not everyone who snores suffers from this condition.
To learn more about this condition, check out this short video.
Are there kinds of sleep apnea?
There are two types of sleep apnea:
- Obstructive sleep apnea – upper airway becomes blocked multiples times while you sleep causing your airflow to reduce or stop completely. (the most common
- Central sleep apnea- your brain does not send the required signals to your muscles that make you start breathing.
What are the symptoms?
While there are a variety of symptoms, some may include:
- Daytime sleepiness
- Snoring
- Waking up with a dry mouth
- Excessive sleepiness
- High blood pressure
How do I get help ?
You can speak with your healthcare provider if you believe you are experiencing some form of sleep disturbance or symptoms of sleep apnea. They may refer you to other healthcare providers trained in sleep disorders. Treatment can vary based on your symptoms, age, and overall health. One form of treatment may include a breathing machine, such as a continuous positive airway pressure machine (CPAP). There are other options such as a tongue retainer or specific pillows. Again, each treatment plan is specific to the person and their case.
References
Commissioner, O. of the. (2023). Always Tired? You May Have Sleep Apnea. FDA. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/always-tired-you-may-have-sleep-apnea
Kaufman MD, D. A., Turley Jr. PA-C, R., & Pierce-Smith RN MSN, D. (n.d.). Sleep Apnea. Cedars-Sinai. Retrieved March 24, 2023, from https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/articles.html
Sleep Apnea, Causes, Signs and Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment. – YouTube. (n.d.). Retrieved March 27, 2023, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMON9zmViu4&feature=youtu.be
Sleep Apnea – What Is Sleep Apnea? | NHLBI, NIH. (2022, March 24). https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/sleep-apnea
The Dangers of Uncontrolled Sleep Apnea. (2022, November 1). https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-dangers-of-uncontrolled-sleep-apnea
What you need to know about how sleep apnea affects your heart | American Heart Association. (n.d.). Retrieved March 27, 2023, from https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/sleep-disorders/sleep-apnea-and-heart-disease-stroke