Are you tired all the time, or maybe experiencing heavy snoring at night? Are you struggling to stay awake during the day, despite getting enough sleep? If so, it may be time to speak with a medical professional. Sleep apnea is a common and serious sleep disorder that can lead to severe health issues if left untreated. But Dr. Morgan has some prevention tips to help you address sleep apnea early and get back to a restful night’s sleep.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a common, yet frequently undiagnosed, sleep disorder. It occurs when someone’s breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep – they may stop breathing for around fifteen to twenty seconds at a time. This can happen multiple times each hour, severely impacting their sleep quality and, as a result, their overall well-being.
There are several different types of sleep apnea. The most common is called Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), in which the airway is temporarily blocked due to throat muscle relaxation. Central Sleep Apnea (CSA) is much less common, and occurs when the brain fails to signal the muscles that regulate breathing. Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome (CSAS) is a combination of the two.
What Causes Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea can be caused by a variety of factors. Some of the most common include:
– Family History: Sleep apnea often runs in families.– Gender: Men are more likely to have sleep apnea than women.– History of Nasal Congestion: People who have nasal obstructions, such as allergies, are more likely to have sleep apnea.
Several factors can increase your risk of developing sleep apnea, including obesity, smoking, and use of alcohol and sedatives. These factors can decrease the muscle tone in the airway, making it more likely that the airway will collapse during the night.
How Can Sleep Apnea Be Addressed Early?
Many people don’t even know that they have sleep apnea. But if you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms regularly, you should talk to your doctor:
– Loud snoring– Gasping for air, choking or snorting during sleep– Waking up frequently during the night– Headaches upon waking up– Excessive daytime fatigue– Difficulty concentrating or memory problems– Irritability– Morning tiredness
Once you make an appointment with your healthcare provider, they will discuss your symptoms and rule out other potential sleep disorders. If your symptoms suggest sleep apnea, the healthcare provider will likely refer you to a sleep specialist for further evaluation. The sleep specialist may conduct a sleep study and other tests to make a diagnosis.
If you do have sleep apnea, it’s important to address it as soon as possible. Dr. Morgan has several tips for preventing or addressing sleep apnea early:
1. Make Lifestyle Changes
There are several lifestyle changes you can make that can help reduce your risk of sleep apnea. Focus on losing weight if you’re overweight, as excess weight can increase your risk of developing sleep apnea. Additionally, quit smoking, as it can contribute to upper airway obstruction, and consider limiting your alcohol consumption before bedtime.
2. Position During Sleep
If it’s possible, try to sleep on your side rather than on your back. This can help to keep your airways open and reduce snoring. One way to help stay on your side is to use a body pillow or tennis ball sewn into the back of your pajamas.
3. Utilize Oral Appliance Therapy
Oral appliance therapy involves the use of a dental appliance to keep the airway open during sleep. These devices can be a good alternative to CPAP machines, but it’s important to be fitted by a dentist who is experienced working with sleep apnea patients.
4. Consider Trying a CPAP Machine (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure)
CPAP machines are one of the most effective treatments for sleep apnea. The device provides a constant stream of air through a mask. This airway pressure works like a splint, keeping the airway open during sleep.
When To See a Doctor
Sleep apnea can lead to serious health issues if left untreated. If you’re experiencing any symptoms of sleep apnea, or if your partner has mentioned that you’re snoring more loudly than usual, it’s time to see a doctor. The doctor can discuss your symptoms and help determine the best treatment for you, which can help you get a restful night’s sleep and avoid the serious repercussions of sleep apnea.
Addressing sleep apnea early is important, and prevention tips from Dr. Morgan can help you to get a head start. Make positive lifestyle changes, stay in the proper sleep position, and explore different treatment options to treat the condition before it becomes more difficult to manage.