Did you know untreated sleep apnea can increase your risk of serious health issues like heart disease? If you ever feel like no matter how long you sleep, it’s not enough, or if your bed partner complains about your snoring, you might be suffering from obstructive sleep apnea. Do you find yourself dozing off in the afternoon or feeling like you always need a nap? Let’s explore what this condition is and how you can recognize its warning signs.
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a chronic condition that occurs when your muscles relax during sleep, allowing soft tissue to collapse and block the airway. This can cause you to stop breathing hundreds of times each night for anywhere from a few seconds to more than a minute at a time. These breathing pauses are often followed by brief awakenings, significantly disturbing your sleep quality.
Who Has Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
If you think you might have sleep apnea, you’re not alone—at least 54 million adults in the United States suffer from this condition. While OSA can occur at any age, the risk increases as you get older. Other contributing factors include excess body weight, a narrow airway, a recessed chin, or a misaligned jaw.
How Do I Know if I Have Sleep Apnea?
Symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea include snoring and choking or gasping sounds. However, you can still have OSA even if you don’t snore frequently or loudly. Silent pauses in your breathing are possible, so be vigilant for these additional symptoms:
Waking in the morning feeling unrefreshed
Experiencing daytime fatigue
Having morning headaches
Waking up frequently at night to use the bathroom
Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
If you think you may have sleep apnea, don’t worry—help is available! Addressing sleep apnea can lead to increased energy levels and improved overall health. Schedule a consultation to discuss your symptoms by calling our office.
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