Sleep apnea is a common disorder that can lead to a number of serious health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. If you think you might have sleep apnea, it’s important to get diagnosed and treated right away.
Here are 5 telltale signs of sleep apnea:
- Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS). This is the most common symptom of sleep apnea. People with EDS feel excessively sleepy during the day, even after a full night’s sleep. They may have difficulty staying awake while driving, working, or reading.
- Loud snoring. Snoring is a common symptom of sleep apnea, but not everyone who snores has sleep apnea. However, if your snoring is loud and disruptive, it could be a sign that you have the disorder.
- Witnessed apneas. These are episodes where your breathing stops for 10 seconds or more during sleep. Witnessed apneas can be observed by a bed partner or family member.
- Morning headaches. People with sleep apnea often wake up with headaches in the morning. These headaches are caused by the lack of oxygen to the brain during sleep.
- Difficulty concentrating. People with sleep apnea may have difficulty concentrating and paying attention during the day. This can lead to problems at work or school.
If you have any of these symptoms, it’s important to see your doctor to get diagnosed for sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea is diagnosed with a sleep study. A sleep study is an overnight test where you are monitored while you sleep. The test will measure your breathing, heart rate, and oxygen levels. It may also measure your brain activity and eye movements.
Sleep apnea is treated with a variety of methods, including:
- Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). CPAP is a machine that delivers pressurized air to your nose and mouth through a mask. CPAP helps to keep your airway open during sleep.
- Oral appliances. Oral appliances are devices that are worn in the mouth to help keep the airway open during sleep.
- Surgery. Surgery may be an option for people who do not respond to CPAP or oral appliances. Surgery can be used to remove tissue from the airway or to reposition the jaw.
Untreated sleep apnea can lead to a number of serious health problems, including:
- Heart disease. Sleep apnea increases your risk of heart disease by 2 to 3 times.
- Stroke. Sleep apnea increases your risk of stroke by 3 to 4 times.
- Diabetes. Sleep apnea increases your risk of diabetes by 2 to 3 times.
- Obesity. Sleep apnea is a major risk factor for obesity.
- Depression. Sleep apnea can cause or worsen depression.
- Death. Untreated sleep apnea can increase your risk of death from heart disease, stroke, or other causes.
There is no sure way to prevent sleep apnea, but there are some things you can do to reduce your risk, including:
- Lose weight. If you are overweight or obese, losing weight can help to reduce your risk of sleep apnea.
- Avoid alcohol and sedatives. Alcohol and sedatives can relax your airway muscles and make sleep apnea worse.
- Sleep on your side. Sleeping on your side can help to keep your airway open.
- Get regular exercise. Regular exercise can help to improve your overall health and reduce your risk of sleep apnea.
If you have sleep apnea, there are a few things you can do to improve your sleep quality, including:
- Use a CPAP machine. CPAP is the most effective treatment for sleep apnea. If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, your doctor will likely prescribe a CPAP machine.
- Lose weight. If you are overweight or obese, losing weight can help to improve your sleep quality.
- Avoid alcohol and sedatives. Alcohol and sedatives can relax your airway muscles and make sleep apnea worse.
- Sleep on your side. Sleeping on your side can help to keep your airway open.
- Get regular exercise. Regular exercise can help to improve your overall health and reduce your risk of sleep apnea.
There are a few common mistakes that people with sleep apnea make that can worsen their condition, including:
- Not using a CPAP machine. CPAP is the most effective treatment for sleep apnea. If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, it is important to use your CPAP machine every night.
- Not losing weight. If you are overweight or obese, losing weight can help to improve your sleep quality. However, it is important to lose weight slowly and gradually. Rapid weight loss can actually worsen sleep apnea.
- Drinking alcohol or taking sedatives. Alcohol and sedatives can relax your airway muscles and make sleep apnea worse. It is important to avoid alcohol and sedatives before bed.
- Sleeping on your back. Sleeping on your back can worsen sleep apnea. It is important to sleep on your side or stomach.
- Not getting regular exercise. Regular exercise can help to improve your overall health and reduce your risk of sleep apnea. However, it is important to avoid exercising too close to bedtime. Exercise can make it harder to fall asleep.
