Think You Might be Suffering From Sleep Apnea?
Do you find yourself waking up in the morning feeling tired and fatigued? There’s probably a reason for it. For some people, maybe they simply stayed up too late or woke up too early, but for others, it can be a sign of a more serious condition called sleep apnea.
If you snore and you also experience any of the following symptoms, you could be suffering from sleep apnea:
- Irritability
- Lack of energy
- Excessive drowsiness
- Impaired memory
- Gasping for air during the night
- Heavy snoring
- Reduced libido
- Insomnia
- Frequent urination at night
The Two Types of Sleep Apnea
The most common form of this sleep disorder is called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This occurs when a person’s airway is blocked by tissue, causing them to temporarily stop breathing and wake up gasping for air. OSA can be caused by weakened or inflamed throat muscles or your tongue falling to the back of your throat.
Central sleep apnea (CSA) is a less common type of the disorder. Unlike obstructive sleep apnea, this condition occurs when your brain doesn’t send proper signals to your body to regulate your breathing while you sleep.
The symptoms of CSA are similar to those of OSA. Additional symptoms of CSA include chest pain and shortness of breath.
Risk Factors for Sleep Apnea
While no one is immune from sleep apnea, there are certain people that are more likely to experience it, including males and patients who are older.
Another risk factor for sleep apnea is being overweight. People who carry extra weight tend to have larger necks and excess tissues around their throat that can block the airway while they sleep.
Smokers and patients who drink alcohol excessively, have nasal congestion, or a family history of the condition are also more likely to suffer from sleep apnea.
If you snore loudly and you fall into one of these high-risk groups, it’s probably a good idea to talk to Dr. White about your symptoms. Sleep apnea puts you at risk for high blood pressure, heart problems, weight gain, and other serious health problems. It can also worsen existing issues such as obesity or diabetes.
Sleep Apnea & Your Well-Being
Sleep apnea doesn’t just affect how much and how well you sleep — it also impacts your physical and mental health.
The lack of sleep weakens your immune system, increasing your vulnerability to disease and infection. Since your body needs sleep to function properly, constantly waking up during the night can result in a lack of energy and make you feel less present at work or when you’re with family and friends.
Sleep apnea also negatively impacts the amount of oxygen your brain receives. When your brain is deprived of oxygen, it can negatively impact your internal systems and put you at increased risk for developing serious health issues like stroke, heart disease, and mood disorders.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I reduce my risk of sleep apnea?
When combined with professional treatment, making certain moderate lifestyle changes may be beneficial in reducing sleep apnea symptoms. Some effective natural remedies include:
- Maintain a healthy body weight — this may include altering your diet
- Regular exercise ⎼ yoga specifically promotes oxygen flow
- Change your sleep position, also referred to as positional therapy
- Use a humidifier to open your airways
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption, especially before bed
I think I may suffer from sleep apnea -- what do I do?
If you think you’re suffering from sleep apnea, give our Cedar City sleep center a call at (435) 267-0486 to schedule your consultation with Dr. White. He’ll take the time to evaluate your symptoms, assess your health, and determine if a sleep study is necessary for you. Once you receive a definitive diagnosis, Dr. White will discuss your treatment options and develop a personalized plan that fits your needs.
Reclaim Your Health & Your Sleep Today
Sleep apnea not only affects the quality of your sleep but can also negatively impact your overall wellness. By treating your sleep apnea you also protect your overall wellness for the long term. If you or someone close to you has noticed signs of sleep apnea, contact us at (435) 267-0486 to schedule a free consultation with Dr. White. He can provide you with a home sleep study and discuss your treatment options. You can also reach us by filling out the information form at the bottom of the page.