More  Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a breathing disorder that causes a person's breathing to stop and restart multiple times while they sleep. This can prevent the body from getting enough oxygen. Symptoms of sleep apnea include: 

• Episodes where someone else reports you stopping breathing during sleep

• Gasping for air

• Loud snoring

The most common sleep-related breathing disorder is obstructive sleep apnea. A health care professional may recommend a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine to eliminate snoring and prevent sleep apnea. A CPAP machine delivers air pressure to a mask to keep the upper airway passages open. 

While the symptoms can be treated, sleep apnea is chronic and cannot be cured entirely. Lifestyle changes can help lessen the effect of sleep apnea, while oral appliances or other forms of sleep apnea therapy can also help. 

Your medical provider can give guidance on what is best for your situation. This information does not constitute medical advice or diagnosis. 

Sleep apnea can affect people of all ages, but the risk increases with age. Men are 2 to 3 times more likely to have sleep apnea than women, but women can increase their risk if they are overweight or have gone through menopause.

Yes, sleep apnea can be dangerous if left untreated. While it's not typically fatal on its own, the chronic sleep deprivation and oxygen fluctuations it causes can lead to serious health complications over time. Here are some of the potential dangers of sleep apnea:

• Increased risk of cardiovascular problems: Sleep apnea puts a strain on your heart and can contribute to high blood pressure, heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure.

• Metabolic problems: People with sleep apnea are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes, as well as problems with cholesterol and blood sugar control.

• Accidents and injuries: Daytime sleepiness caused by sleep apnea can increase your risk of accidents while driving, operating machinery, or performing other activities that require alertness.

• Cognitive problems: Untreated sleep apnea can lead to memory problems, poor concentration, and difficulty learning new things.

• Mood disorders: People with sleep apnea are more likely to experience depression and anxiety.

• Complications during pregnancy: Sleep apnea can be dangerous for pregnant women, increasing the risk of preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and even premature birth.

However, it's important to remember that sleep apnea is treatable. With proper diagnosis and treatment, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing these complications and improve your overall health and well-being.

There are several treatment options for sleep apnea, depending on the severity of your condition and your individual preferences. Here are some of the most common approaches:

Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) Therapy:

• CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure): This is the most effective treatment for most types of sleep apnea. A CPAP machine uses a gentle stream of air delivered through a mask worn over your nose or mouth to keep your airway open while you sleep.

• BiPAP (Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure): This machine is similar to CPAP but provides different air pressures during inhale and exhale, which can be helpful for people with central sleep apnea or other complex breathing problems.

Oral Appliances:

• Mandibular advancement devices (MADs): These custom-made mouthpieces hold your jaw slightly forward, keeping your airway open while you sleep. They are a good option for people with mild to moderate sleep apnea who find CPAP uncomfortable.

Lifestyle Changes:

• Losing weight: If you are overweight or obese, losing even a small amount of weight can significantly improve your sleep apnea symptoms.

• Avoiding alcohol and sedatives: These substances can relax the muscles in your throat and worsen sleep apnea.

• Changing sleep position: Sleeping on your back can worsen sleep apnea. Try sleeping on your side or stomach instead.

• Treating nasal congestion: Allergies or other conditions that cause nasal congestion can contribute to sleep apnea. Treating these conditions may improve your symptoms.

Surgery:

• In some cases, surgery may be an option for people with severe sleep apnea who cannot tolerate CPAP or other treatments. There are several different surgical procedures that can be used to treat sleep apnea, but they are typically considered only as a last resort.

Additional Tips:

• Get regular exercise: Exercise can help you lose weight and improve your overall health, which can benefit your sleep apnea.

• Practice good sleep hygiene: Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, create a relaxing bedtime routine, and make sure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool.

• See your doctor regularly: Once you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, it is important to see your doctor regularly to monitor your symptoms and adjust your treatment as needed.

It is important to talk to your doctor about the best treatment options for you, considering the severity of your sleep apnea, your medical history, and your personal preferences. They can help you develop a treatment plan that is right for you.

Our way to support is to advocate for Awareness and Education:

• Spread the word: Talk to your family, friends, and community about sleep apnea. Share information about the condition, its risks, and available treatments. Help to raise awareness about the importance of getting diagnosed and treated.

• Support sleep apnea organizations: Join or donate to organizations dedicated to sleep apnea research, education, and advocacy, such as the American Sleep Apnea Association or the National Sleep Foundation.