(GoHealthier.com)
Most of us have heard of sleep apnea, and many of us even suffer from it, but what actually is it? Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. These pauses in breathing can last from a few seconds to minutes and may occur multiple times throughout the night, leading to poor sleep quality and decreased oxygen levels in the body. Common risk factors for sleep apnea include obesity, smoking, alcohol consumption, nasal congestion, and certain medical conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
There are three main types of sleep apnea:
1. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): The most common type, caused by the relaxation of throat muscles, which blocks the airway.
2. Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): Occurs when the brain fails to send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing.
3. Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome: A combination of both obstructive and central sleep apnea.
Here are 10 signs to look out for when assessing whether you may be suffering from this nighttime habit:
1. Loud Snoring: Frequent, loud snoring is a hallmark sign, often noticed by a partner.
2. Pauses in Breathing: Gasping, choking, or silent pauses in breathing during sleep.
3. Excessive Daytime Sleepiness: Feeling excessively tired during the day, even after a full night’s sleep.
4. Morning Headaches: Waking up with headaches due to oxygen deprivation during sleep.
5. Difficulty Concentrating: Experiencing memory issues, brain fog, or difficulty focusing.
6. Irritability or Mood Changes: Increased mood swings, anxiety, or depression.
7. Dry Mouth or Sore Throat: Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat, often due to mouth breathing during sleep.
8. Frequent Nighttime Urination: Needing to wake up multiple times to urinate (nocturia).
9. Restless Sleep: Tossing and turning or waking up frequently throughout the night.
10. High Blood Pressure: Sleep apnea can contribute to or worsen hypertension due to interrupted breathing patterns.
If left untreated, sleep apnea can increase the risk of serious health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and daytime fatigue that can lead to accidents. Treatment options include lifestyle changes, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, oral appliances, and, in some cases, surgery. Treating your sleep apnea early will not only positively affect your life and mood but may also save your life.
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