Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where breathing is frequently interrupted during sleep. There are over 22 million Americans who suffer from a lack of restorative sleep, yet many people are never treated. Left untreated, sleep apnea it not only lowers your quality of life but also highers your risk of other health conditions. There are two main types to be aware of:
1.Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
OSA occurs when breathing stops completely or airflow is severely reduced. During sleep, the muscles in the throat become more relaxed. With OSA the person’s airway partially or completely collapses. Arousals from sleep occur when the brain tells the body to wake up and breathe. A person with OSA often does not remember waking up but may experience sleepiness during the day because of the repeated disturbances. Aging, excess weight, family history, and narrow airway anatomy all increase the chances of having OSA. OSA is a fairly common problem and can produce serious health risks. Overnight sleep studies are performed to diagnose OSA, and Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) and Bi-Level therapy (BiPAP) are the most effective forms of treatment.
2.Central Sleep Apnea
Central Sleep Apnea is similar to Obstructive Sleep Apnea in that there is a cease in airflow during sleep. Central Sleep Apnea sufferers may not have trouble keeping their airway open, but instead, the body does not receive the stimulus to breathe and must arouse to resume breathing. This condition is usually tied to a cerebral vascular condition, congestive heart failure, and/or age. Overnight sleep studies are performed to diagnose central sleep apnea.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
The symptoms of obstructive and central sleep apnea often overlap, which can make it difficult to uncover which type you have. However, these are the eight common symptoms to keep an eye on:
- Loud snoring
- Morning headaches
- Irritability
- Dry mouth
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Gasping for air during the night
- Distracted while awake
- Lapses in breathing during the night
Talk to your doctor if you have these symptoms and consider reaching out to Whitney Sleep. Seeking treatment for a sleep disorder can put you on the path to decreasing your risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, motor vehicle accidents, and more.
Get Better Sleep
We understand the unique needs of our patients with sleep disorders. Our family-run business is dedicated to prioritizing your concerns, answering your questions, and assisting you in improving your sleep — and overall health — through our treatments. We specialize in treating sleep disorders.
If you or a loved one is experiencing signs or symptoms, we encourage you to set up an appointment at one of our Minnesota locations. Get better sleep: contact us today at masonw@whitneysleepcenter.com or visit our website.