If you often feel drowsy during the day, snore loudly, or wake up gasping for air, you might be experiencing signs of sleep apnea. This condition affects over 12 million Americans and involves periodic stops in breathing during sleep—sometimes up to 20-30 times per hour. These interruptions can prevent deep sleep, leading to daytime fatigue despite what seems like a full night’s rest.
Symptoms include insomnia, loud snoring, waking up short of breath, snorting or choking noises, morning headaches, unintended daytime naps, and extreme drowsiness. If you exhibit any of these, consider seeking medical advice.
There are three types of sleep apnea: obstructive (the most common, caused by physical blockage), central (due to the brain not sending proper signals to the muscles controlling breathing), and mixed (a combination of obstructive and central). Risk factors extend beyond gender and age to include obesity, smoking, alcohol use, and familial history.
Untreated, sleep apnea can lead to serious health issues like high blood pressure, heart failure, or stroke. It can also complicate medication use and surgical procedures. Treatment might involve lifestyle changes, oral devices, or surgery depending on the severity.
If you suspect sleep apnea in yourself or a family member, contact a healthcare provider for a referral to a specialist. A proper diagnosis often requires a sleep study, and treatment could include an oral device customized to your needs.