March is Sleep Apnea Awareness Month, an important time to educate yourself about this potentially serious sleep disorder. Sleep apnea affects millions of Americans and can have major consequences if left untreated.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a disorder where you have one or more pauses in breathing or shallow breaths while sleeping. These breathing pauses can last from a few seconds to a few minutes and often occur multiple times per hour throughout the night.
There are three main types of sleep apnea which we will cover during Sleep Apnea Awareness Month:
Obstructive sleep apnea – This is the most common form, estimated to affect between 10% and 30% of adults in the United States. It occurs when the airway becomes blocked or narrowed during sleep, causing pauses in breathing.
Central sleep apnea – This less common form affecting fewer than 1% of people involves the brain failing to properly signal the breathing muscles during sleep.
Complex sleep apnea – This is a combination of obstructive and central sleep apnea.
According to the American Sleep Apnea Association, it is estimated that 22 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea, with 80% of the cases being undiagnosed.
Symptoms and Effects
Obstructive and central sleep apnea can cause symptoms both during sleep and during the day. Some of the most common signs and symptoms of sleep apnea include:
Loud, chronic snoring
Choking or gasping during sleep
Excessive daytime sleepiness or fatigue
Morning headaches
Difficulty concentrating
It can be difficult to recognize that you are experiencing breathing disruptions, especially for those who live alone. Sleep Apnea Awareness Month is an important time to share information with those who do not realize they have this sleep disorder. It may be helpful to talk to a doctor if you experience any of these issues:
Waking up tired despite sleeping seven or more hours
Falling asleep at inappropriate times, such as while at work or when driving
Regularly having headaches in the morning
Awakening from sleep with a feeling that you cannot breathe
Diminished concentration or ability to focus
Reliance on caffeine or energy drinks to get through the day
Untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious health consequences such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and depression according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.
Treatment Options
The good news is that sleep apnea is a very treatable disorder. Some common treatment options include:
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy – This is the most common and effective treatment that uses a machine to deliver a steady flow of air to keep the airway open during sleep.
Oral appliances – These mouthpieces reposition the jaw or hold the tongue in place to help keep the airway open.
Surgery – In some cases, surgery may be recommended to remove excess tissue blocking the airway.
Weight loss – Losing weight can sometimes provide significant relief from sleep apnea symptoms.
If you are experiencing sleep apnea symptoms such as snoring, fatigue, or disrupted sleep, it is crucial to get evaluated by a sleep specialist. At the Comprehensive Sleep and Breathing Center, our team of experts can diagnose your condition and recommend the most appropriate treatment to help you get the restful, high-quality sleep you need. Don’t let sleep apnea go untreated. The month of March brings extra awareness to this disorder, so take advantage by contacting us today to schedule an evaluation appointment.