Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing throughout the sleep cycle.
These interruptions, called apneas, are caused by the collapse of soft tissue in the airway, which prevents oxygen from reaching the lungs.
About 10% of the adult population in the world suffers from sleep apnea, and about 90% of them have not been diagnosed.1 And in the United States, one in five adults have at least mild obstructive sleep apnea.
That’s significant because sleep apnea is a serious condition. Sleep apnea disrupts the sleep cycle and can dramatically impact energy, mental performance and long-term health. In some cases, if left untreated, sleep apnea can be fatal.
It can be hard to take the first steps into finding out if you have sleep apnea. We are here to help.
Nighttime symptoms
Daytime symptoms
Sleep apnea can have serious short- and long-term health risks if left untreated, including:
Driving- and work-related accidents
If you think you have sleep apnea, it’s important to find out for sure so that you can begin treatment and start enjoying the benefits of better sleep and a healthier life.
Getting diagnosed: personal experiences
Hear from people who took the leap and met the challenges involved in getting diagnosed. All about sleep apnea therapy
Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition in which a person stops breathing repeatedly through the night. Breathing stops because the throat or “airway” collapses and prevents air from getting into the lungs. Sleep patterns are disrupted, resulting in excessive sleepiness or fatigue during the day.
Five to 10 percent of adults in the United States have Obstructive Sleep Apnea. This is about 20 million people, and many—the majority—are yet to be diagnosed.
- Extra tissue in the back of the airway, such as large tonsils - Decrease in the tone of the muscles that hold the airway open - The tongue falling back and closing off the airway
Evaluation by a doctor specializing in sleep disorders is recommended. Have a sleep study done. A sleep study can provide the doctor with information about how you sleep and breathe. This information will help the doctor to determine your diagnosis and treatment options.
Sleep apnea can have serious short- and long-term health risks if left untreated, including: - High blood pressure - Irregular heartbeat - Heart disease / heart attack - Stroke - Type 2 diabetes - Driving- and work-related accidents
Most commonly, positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy is the treatment. It is noninvasive and can help with symptoms when used as prescribed. Less commonly, surgery or oral appliances are used, which may be effective in certain cases. Any treatment plan should include weight loss if needed, exercise and avoiding alcohol, sedatives and hypnotics.
CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) provides a gentle flow of positive-pressure air through a facial mask to keep the airway open during sleep. As a result: - Breathing becomes regular during sleep - Snoring stops - Restful sleep is restored - Quality of life is improved - Risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, heart attack, stroke and motor vehicle and work accidents are reduced
- Loud or disruptive snoring - Witnessed pauses in breathing - Choking or gasping for air during sleep - Restless sleep - Frequent visits to the bathroom
- Early morning headaches - Excessive daytime fatigue - Poor concentration - Depression or irritability - Falling asleep during routine activities
- Overweight/obesity - A large neck or tongue - Extra tissue or crowding in the airway
Most PAP users who remain committed to treatment enjoy: - Increased energy and attentiveness - Fewer morning headaches - Reduced irritability - Improved memory - Increased ability to exercise - Lower blood pressure - Decreased risk of strokes and heart attacks - Increased effectiveness at home and at work - Improved overall quality of life
References
For informational purposes only, not to replace physician's directions.