Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder characterized by brief interruptions of breathing during sleep. These episodes usually last 10 seconds or more and occur repeatedly throughout the night. People with sleep apnea will partially awaken as they struggle to breathe, but in the morning they will not be aware of the disturbances in their sleep.
The most common type of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), caused by relaxation of soft tissue in the back of the throat that blocks the passage of air. Central sleep apnea (CSA) is caused by irregularities in the brain’s normal signals to breathe. Most people with sleep apnea will have a combination of both types. The hallmark symptom of the disorder is excessive daytime sleepiness.
Prognosis
Untreated, sleep apnea is life-threatening. Excessive daytime sleepiness can cause people to fall asleep at inappropriate times, such as while driving. Sleep apnea also puts individuals at risk for stroke and transient ischemic attacks (TIAs, also known as “mini-strokes”), and is associated with coronary heart disease, heart failure, irregular heartbeat, heart attack, and high blood pressure.
Benefits Of Treatment
- Lower Blood Pressure – Untreated Sleep Apnea leads to high blood pressure, heart attacks, and heart disease. Treating your sleep apnea will leave you living longer and healthier!
- Weight Loss – It’s well known that Sleep Apnea Causes Weight Gain. Patient’s that take the step to treating their Sleep Apnea often experience weight loss as a result.
- No More Snoring – Snoring is one of the leading signs of Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Often times, once your Sleep Apnea is treated, so is your snoring!
- More Energy – Patients that treat their Sleep Apnea report feeling much more refreshed during the day! Imagine what it’s like to not feel tired all the time!