Sleep apnea often goes undiagnosed. Doctors usually can’t detect the condition during routine office visits. Also, no blood test can help diagnose the condition.
Most people who have sleep apnea don’t know they have it because it only occurs during sleep. A family member or bed partner might be the first to notice signs of sleep apnea.
The most common type of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea. In this condition, the airway collapses or becomes blocked during sleep. This causes shallow breathing or breathing pauses.
When you try to breathe, any air that squeezes past the blockage can cause loud snoring. Obstructive sleep apnea is more common in people who are overweight, but it can affect anyone. For example, small children who have enlarged tonsil tissues in their throats may have obstructive sleep apnea.
Central sleep apnea is a less common type of sleep apnea. This disorder occurs if the area of your brain that controls your breathing doesn’t send the correct signals to your breathing muscles. As a result, you’ll make no effort to breathe for brief periods.
Central sleep apnea can affect anyone. However, it’s more common in people who have certain medical conditions or use certain medicines. Central sleep apnea can occur with obstructive sleep apnea or alone. Snoring typically doesn’t happen with central sleep apnea.
Loud and chronic (ongoing) snoring. Pauses may occur in the snoring. Choking or gasping may follow the pauses. The snoring usually is loudest when you sleep on your back; it might be less noisy when you turn on your side. You might not snore every night. Over time, however, the snoring can happen more often and get louder. Not everyone who snores has sleep apnea.
Sleepiness during the day, at work, or while driving. You may find yourself rapidly falling asleep during the quiet moments of the day when you’re not active.
Sleep apnea is a chronic condition that requires long-term management. Lifestyle changes, mouthpieces, surgery, and breathing devices can successfully treat sleep apnea in many people.
As a sleep physician, I understand the struggle that many individuals face when it comes to getting a good night’s sleep. The allure of over-the-counter (OTC) sleep aids is understandable, but it’s crucial to tread carefully in this realm.
As a sleep physician, I understand the struggle that many individuals face when it comes to getting a good night’s sleep. The allure of over-the-counter (OTC) sleep aids is understandable, but it’s crucial to tread carefully in this realm.
Idiopathic Hypersomnia can be a debilitating condition, but with the right treatment, it can be managed. Discover the symptoms, causes, and treatment options in this informative guide.
Please be advised that Allergy Sleep and Lung Care PA and SOMNAS, located at 16420 Healthpark Commons Dr Suite 100, Fort Myers, FL 33908, will be closing its doors permanently effective March 31, 2024. Please CLICK HERE to see the details
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