Millions of Americans Are Affected by Sleep Apnea

Are you drowsy during the day with no explanation? Do you snore loudly or wake up breathless in the middle of the night?

If you experiencing any of these symptoms, you may be one of more than 12 million Americans who are affected by sleep apnea.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a condition in which breathing stops periodically during sleep, as many as 20-30 times per hour. "Apnea" is the Greek word for "without breath."

If you suffer from sleep apnea, each time your breathing stops, the resulting lack of oxygen alerts your brain, which temporarily wakes you up to restart proper breathing.

Because the time spent awake is so brief, most people with sleep apnea don't remember it - and many think they are getting a good night's sleep. However, the constant wake-sleep-wake-sleep cycle precludes the deep sleep that refreshes the body, and sufferers are frequently drowsy during the day.

What Are the Signs of Sleep Apnea?

The following symptoms can indicate the presence of sleep apnea. If you notice one or more of these, contact our practice.

  • Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
  • Loud snoring at night
  • Waking up at night short of breath
  • Snorting or choking sounds during the night (indicating a restart of breathing)
  • Headaches upon waking in the morning
  • Falling asleep unintentionally during the day
  • Extreme drowsiness throughout the day
  • Are There Different Types of Sleep Apnea?

Are there Different Types of Sleep Apnea?

There are three categories of sleep apnea. The most common is called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and occurs due to a physical blockage, usually the collapsing of the soft tissue in the back of the throat.

Less common is central sleep apnea (CSA), in which breathing stops because the muscles involved don't receive the proper signal from the brain. And some people suffer from "mixed" or "complex" sleep apnea, which is a combination of obstructive and central.

What Are the Risk of Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea is more common in males than females, and more common in older adults (40+) than younger adults and children. However, anyone — regardless of gender or age — can suffer from sleep apnea.

Other risk factors include obesity, smoking, drinking, use of sedatives or tranquilizers, and family history. Central sleep apnea strikes most often in people with heart disorders, neuromuscular disorders, strokes, or brain tumors. It is also more common in males.

Is Sleep Apnea Dangerous?

Sleep apnea is considered a serious medical problem and if left untreated it can lead to high blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart failure and stroke. The ongoing state of fatigue caused by sleep apnea can lead to problems at work or school, as well as danger when driving or operating heavy machinery.

Sleep apnea can also cause complications with medication or surgery; sedation by anesthesia can be risky, as can lying flat in bed after an operation. If you know or suspect you suffer from sleep apnea, let your family doctor know before taking prescribed medication or having surgery.

What Are the Risk of Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea is more common in males than females, and more common in older adults (40+) than younger adults and children. However, anyone — regardless of gender or age — can suffer from sleep apnea.

Other risk factors include obesity, smoking, drinking, use of sedatives or tranquilizers, and family history. Central sleep apnea strikes most often in people with heart disorders, neuromuscular disorders, strokes, or brain tumors. It is also more common in males.

How Is Sleep Apnea Treated?

Treatments for sleep apnea depend on the severity of each individual case, and the type of apnea. Basic treatment can be behavioral — for instance, patients are instructed to lose weight, stop smoking, or sleep on their sides instead of on their backs.

Beyond that, oral devices can be used to position the mouth in such a way that prevents throat blockage. In more severe cases, surgery may be the best option.

What Should I Do if I Think Someone in My Family Suffers from Sleep Apnea?

Contact our office, and we can refer you to a sleep apnea specialist. The specialist may recommend a sleep study and a special 3D iCAT scan (which we can take in our office) of your airway to diagnose the precise extent of the problem.

Once your problem has been diagnosed, the specialist can prescribe the appropriate treatment. Depending on your situation, treatment may involve an oral device that we can custom-create for you.

What Should I Do If I Think Someone in My Family Suffers From Sleep Apnea?

Contact our office, and we can refer you to a sleep apnea specialist. The specialist may recommend a sleep study and a special 3D iCAT scan (which we can take in our office) of your airway to diagnose the precise extent of the problem.

Once your problem has been diagnosed, the specialist can prescribe the appropriate treatment. Depending on your situation, treatment may involve an oral device that we can custom-create for you.