What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder defined by pauses in breathing or shallow breathing during sleep. There can be many underlying causes of sleep apnea. Diagnosis should only be made by a physician trained in sleep medicine and based on results of a sleep study. CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure), oral appliance therapy (dental sleep therapy), and surgery are common forms of treatment.
Sleep apnea often goes undiagnosed so it is important that you notify your physician of symptoms that are often associated with sleep apnea. Some of these include snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, weight gain, or if someone observed you stop breathing for moments at a time during sleep.
The most common type of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea. In this condition, the airway collapses or becomes partially blocked during sleep by the surrounding tissue which is the cause of shallow breathing or pauses in breathing. Airflow is interrupted often causing a vibration otherwise known as snoring. Not all people who snore have sleep apnea.
Conditions Linked to Sleep Apnea
Screening and early detection can prevent or help better control known problems linked to sleep apnea such as:
High Blood Pressure
Heart Arrhythmia (atrial fibrillation)
Heart Attack
Stroke
Diabetes
Depression
Weight Gain
Daytime Sleepiness & Fatigue
Irritability
Car Accidents
Source: American Academy of Sleep Medicine
Answer the following questions to see if you are at risk for Sleep Apnea
Do you snore?
Do you feel tired, fatigued or sleepy during daytime?
Has anyone observed you stop breathing during your sleep?
Do you have or are you being treated for high blood pressure?
Do you have a BMI greater than 35?
Are you older than 50?
Is your neck circumference (collar size) greater than 16 inches?
Are you male?