Do You Have Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a serious health concern that can lead to detrimental effects on your body. Despite this, it’s known as a silent killer because it often goes undiagnosed, yet puts your life at risk. It’s vital to seek a diagnosis and treatment as soon as you notice there’s an issue.
Learn all about the signs and symptoms of sleep apnea from our Troy, MI specialist, as well as your risk.
The Signs of OSA
The following symptoms are the most common signs of sleep apnea:
- Loud and/or persistent snoring
- Gasping for air during sleep
- Frequent interruptions to your sleep
- Insomnia
- Hypersomnia (excessive and persistent drowsiness or fatigue)
- Lack of energy
- Lack of motivation
- Irritability
- Frequent urination at night
If you notice these signs, we highly recommend undergoing a sleep test to diagnose any issues you may have. Leaving sleep apnea without treatment can put your life at risk, so it’s important to seek professional help.
The Types of Sleep Apnea
While Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is the most common form of sleep apnea, there are actually three types. It’s important to know the difference because each type is treated differently.
The other main type of sleep apnea is Central Sleep Apnea (CSA). While OSA is a result of a physical blockage in your throat, CSA is caused by your nervous system and body having difficulty communicating.
Risk Factors for Sleep Apnea
While it’s important to remember that anyone can develop sleep apnea, there are factors that may put you at a greater risk for the condition. Some of these factors include:
- Excess weight
- Circumference of the neck — thick necks may have narrower airways
- Family history
- Smoking
- Alcohol use
- Nasal congestion
- Risk increases with age
- Males are more likely to have sleep apnea
If you fall into these categories and have noticed difficulty sleeping or conducting your daily life, we recommend getting a sleep test. This simple test can accurately diagnose your sleep issues and put you on the path to a better life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main cause of sleep apnea?
The main cause of obstructive sleep apnea is a blockage of your airway while you’re asleep. There are many reasons why this can happen, including excess tissue around the neck caused by weight gain, sedatives that relax your throat muscles, and airway obstruction from the structure of your mouth or throat.
Sleep apnea is treated by making sure your airway stays open while you’re asleep. This can be done with an oral appliance that moves your jaw forward slightly, or with another type of appliance that holds your tongue in place so it doesn’t block your throat.
Can sleep apnea be cured?
There are some cases of sleep apnea that can be cured, but most treatment doesn’t end with curing sleep apnea. The main goal of treatment is to keep your airway open at night using a device -- this will quickly help with your sleep trouble and help you feel better throughout the day.
It may be possible to greatly improve your condition and even cure it by implementing lifestyle changes. This can be seen in some people who lose weight, relieving the pressure on their neck by getting rid of excess tissue. We recommend losing weight alongside oral appliance therapy to manage your symptoms.
Does sleep apnea happen every night?
Yes, most people with sleep apnea have issues sleeping every night. This deprives your body of much-needed sleep constantly, leading to severe health issues and fatigue. That’s why seeking a diagnosis and treatment is of the utmost importance.
If you go without treatment, not only will you continue feeling tired every day, but you’re at risk for life-threatening health problems such as heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. Dr. Kaspo can provide you with a comfortable oral appliance that will help you sleep and live a healthy life.
Protect Your Health With Effective Treatment
Sleep apnea is often underestimated, leading to tragic and preventable health issues. If you notice the signs of sleep apnea in yourself or a loved one, we urge you to seek professional help. Dr. Kaspo and our friendly team can help you regain control of your sleep.