You wake up in the middle of the night, gasping for air, and your partner complains about your loud **snoring**. You feel tired and sluggish during the day, even after a full night's sleep. These symptoms may be related to **sleep apnea**, a common sleep disorder that affects millions of Americans.
## Introduction to Sleep Apnea **Sleep apnea** is a serious sleep disorder that occurs when a person's breathing is interrupted during sleep. According to the **National Institutes of Health (NIH)**, sleep apnea can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. The following are 10 warning signs of sleep apnea: 1. Loud **snoring** 2. Pauses in breathing during sleep 3. Gasping or choking during sleep 4. Morning headaches 5. Daytime fatigue 6. Difficulty concentrating 7. High blood pressure 8. Morning sore throat 9. Waking up with a dry mouth 10. Feeling tired even after a full night's sleep
## Types of Sleep Apnea There are three types of sleep apnea: - **Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)**: the most common type, caused by a blockage in the airway - **Central sleep apnea (CSA)**: caused by a problem with the brain's ability to control breathing - **Mixed sleep apnea**: a combination of OSA and CSA The **Mayo Clinic** recommends that people with sleep apnea work with their doctor to develop a treatment plan, which may include lifestyle changes, such as losing weight or quitting smoking, or using a **continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)** machine.
## Diagnosing Sleep Apnea To diagnose sleep apnea, a doctor may recommend a **sleep study**, which can be done at home or in a sleep center. During a sleep study, a person's brain waves, oxygen levels, and breathing patterns are monitored using equipment such as: 1. **Electroencephalogram (EEG)**: to measure brain waves 2. **Electromyogram (EMG)**: to measure muscle activity 3. **Oximeter**: to measure oxygen levels The **American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM)** recommends that people with sleep apnea use a **CPAP** machine to help keep their airway open during sleep.
## Treating Sleep Apnea Treatment for sleep apnea depends on the severity of the condition and may include: - **Lifestyle changes**: such as losing weight, quitting smoking, or avoiding alcohol and sedatives - **CPAP therapy**: using a **CPAP** machine to keep the airway open during sleep - **Oral appliances**: such as a **mandibular advancement device (MAD)**, to help keep the airway open - **Surgery**: to remove any blockages in the airway The **National Sleep Foundation (NSF)** recommends that people with sleep apnea work with their doctor to find a treatment plan that works for them.
## Managing Sleep Apnea To manage sleep apnea, it is essential to: 1. **Use a CPAP machine** as prescribed by a doctor 2. **Make lifestyle changes**, such as losing weight or quitting smoking 3. **Get regular check-ups** with a doctor to monitor the condition - **Keep a sleep diary** to track sleep patterns and symptoms - **Avoid sleeping on your back**, as this can worsen sleep apnea - **Try relaxation techniques**, such as meditation or deep breathing, to help manage stress and improve sleep
## Bottom Line The following are key takeaways about sleep apnea: - **Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder** that can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke - **Treatment options are available**, including lifestyle changes, **CPAP** therapy, and oral appliances - **Working with a doctor** is essential to finding a treatment plan that works for each individual