Do you experience unexplained drowsiness during the day? Do you snore loudly or wake up breathless in the middle of the night? If so, you could be one of more than 12 million Americans who are affected by sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by a person ceasing to breathe during sleep, this can occur up 30 times in one hour. Every time you cease to breathe, your brain experiences a lack of oxygen, which wakes you up temporarily to restart breathing. Most people with sleep apnea do not realize they are waking up continuously for micro-periods of time. Individuals with sleep apnea are not able to achieve sleep and therefore find themselves with a drowsy feeling during the day.
The following symptoms are indicative of a possible sleep apnea problem. If you notice one or more of these, contact our practice for an appointment.
Three categories of sleep apnea exist. The most common categoryis called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and occurs due to a physical blockage such as collapsing soft tissue in the back of the throat. The second category is far less common and is called central sleep apnea (CSA), in which breathing stops because the muscles don’t receive the proper signal from the brain. The third category called “mixed” or “complex” sleep apnea, which is a combination of obstructive and central.
Men and older adults (40+) are more like to suffer from obstructive sleep apnea. However, anyone can suffer from sleep apnea.Obesity, smoking, drinking, use of sedatives or tranquilizers, and family history are the other risk factors involved. Central sleep apnea is found mostly in people suffering from other conditions such as heart disorders, neuromuscular disorders, strokes, or brain tumors.
Sleep apnea is considered to bea serious medical problem and that should not be left untreated. Untreated sleep apnea increases the risk of more serious problems such as high blood pressure, heart failure, and stroke. The constant fatigue caused by sleep apnea can also make it difficult for an individual to operate at an optimum level at work or school. Sleep apnea can also cause complications with some medications and surgical procedures. If you suspect that you suffer from sleep apnea, it’s important to inform your family doctor as soon as possible so that he can avoid potentially dangerous medications.
Sleep apnea can be treated with behavioral changes like losing weight quitting cigarettes, or changing to a side sleeping position. Oral devices can also be used to position the mouth to prevent throat blockage. Surgery can also be used in severe cases.
Contact our office so we can refer you to a sleep apnea specialist. Asleep study may be performed to diagnose the type of apnea you may have and the severity of it.
3171 Chili Ave #200, Rochester, NY 14624