Do I Suffer From Sleep Apnea?
Many patients are unaware they have sleep apnea due to its wide range of symptoms and close correlation to other sleeping issues. Varying from patient to patient, these symptoms can affect you both physically and mentally. Common signs of sleep apnea include:
- Loud snoring
- Insomnia
- Gasping for breath during sleep
- Anxiety and depression
- Waking up with a sore/dry throat
- Daytime fatigue and drowsiness
- Morning headaches
- Lack of energy or motivation
- Irritability
Types of Sleep Apnea
The American Sleep Apnea Association estimates that around 22 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea, and nearly 80% of these cases go undiagnosed. Many people are either not receiving the proper treatment for their condition or they’re completely unaware they have it.
Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common form of the sleeping condition. This occurs when the patient’s throat muscles relax during sleep, obstructing the airway at the back of the throat and causing a complete cessation of breathing. When your brain senses the resulting drop in oxygen levels, it arouses you from your sleep so you can resume breathing.
You may not remember waking up, but this cycle can repeat itself up to 30 times per hour. This will greatly reduce your ability to receive a proper night’s sleep.
Central sleep apnea is a less common form of the disease that occurs when the brain doesn’t signal the muscles to breathe. Patients with central sleep apnea may not be able to breathe for short periods of time, which will often cause them to awaken feeling a shortness of breath and find it difficult to fall back asleep.
Health Risks of Untreated Sleep Apnea
Not all patients share the same risk for sleep apnea. Common uncontrollable factors linked to sleep apnea include the patient’s age and gender. Older patients have been found to have a higher risk for the condition, as well as males, who are two to three times more likely than women to have OSA.
Research has found that sleep apnea increases your risk for other major health issues, including:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease and strokes
- Type 2 diabetes
- Obesity
- Impotence
- Adult asthma
- Acid reflux
FAQs About Sleep Apnea & Your Health
What if I don’t seek treatment for my sleep apnea?
The consequences of sleep apnea can be life-threatening. Untreated sleep apnea has been associated with risks of hypertension, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and more.
How do I diagnose my sleep apnea?
Dr. Greenman can refer you to a local sleep physician for a professional, overnight sleep study. He can also provide at-home screening tests for you to complete in the comfort of your own home.
What types of sleep apnea are there?
There are two different types of sleep apnea, obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea. The most common, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), is what we treat here in Westlake Village. OSA episodes occur during a person’s sleep when there’s an obstruction in their airway, preventing them from breathing properly.
Is sleep apnea only found in adults?
No. Although sleep apnea is most common in older adults, your child can also suffer from this sleep disorder. To discover if your child’s sleep apnea has been misdiagnosed, ask Dr. Greenman about common symptoms found in kids.
Getting the Sleep Apnea Care You Deserve
Dr. Greenman has a special sensitivity to sleep apnea due to breathing issues he suffered as a child. Medical intervention was required to improve his oral health, breathing, and sleeping patterns.
That’s why Dr. Greenman understands the importance of providing safe and efficient care for our patients. If you’ve tried CPAP and found that it wasn’t right for you, we feature treatment alternatives such as our convenient oral appliances.
Call our Westlake office today to schedule your free consultation. We provide real solutions to improve your quality of life.