Simply Snoring or Something More?

Do you experience daytime sleepiness despite a full night of sleep?  Have you been told you snore?  Do you experience morning headaches, waking with a dry mouth, disrupted sleep, irritability or trouble concentrating?  If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may be experiencing symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

OSA is a common problem that affects a person’s breathing during sleep, and affects 30 million Americans, or approximately 1 out of 5 adults. You may not even be aware that you have OSA, but these symptoms may be more obvious to a spouse, other family member, or friend.

How Do You Know if You Have OSA?

OSA is diagnosed with a sleep study.  A sleep study is done at a sleep center where you will be scheduled to sleep overnight. In some patients, a home sleep test can also be used to diagnose sleep apnea. OSA can range from mild to severe.

If you have OSA, you need to treat it. Complications of untreated OSA may include daytime drowsiness, worsening memory, chronic health conditions including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, heart arrythmias (irregular heartbeat), heart attack, stroke, and sexual dysfunction. Those with sleep apnea are nearly 2.5 times more likely to be a driver in a motor vehicle accident.

Why is Quality Sleep Important?

Quality sleep is critical to a healthy mind and body. Sleep repairs the body, consolidates memories, regulates hormones, supports our immune system and is important to our heart health. Quality sleep can not only improve our physical health but also reduces stress and improves our mood.

How is Sleep Apnea Treated?

The gold standard for treating sleep apnea is with a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device.  This device gently blows air into our airway to keep it open while we sleep. There are also other treatment options including an oral appliance (constructed by a specially trained dentist); positional therapy (avoid sleeping on your back); lifestyle changes (weight loss, exercise, avoiding alcohol and sedating medicines/herbs prior to sleep); Inspire Device (hypoglossal nerve stimulator); surgical interventions; medications; and oropharyngeal exercises.

Obstructive sleep apnea can cause serious health problems; treatment can help prevent these problems.  If you have concerns about OSA talk to your healthcare provider today.