Do you often wake up feeling exhausted, even after a whole night's sleep?
Over 39 million Americans do, not because they love counting sheep all night. The culprit is Sleep apnea , a serious sleep disorder that causes breathing to stop and start repeatedly throughout the night.
Even scarier? According to the American Sleep Apnea Association , a staggering 80% of moderate and severe sleep apnea cases go undiagnosed. We're talking millions of people walking around exhausted, unaware they have a treatable condition impacting their health and well-being.
So, how do you know if you might be one of them? Don't worry; we'll break it all down in this post. We'll explore the symptoms, risk factors, and how to get diagnosed.
By the end, you'll be ready to uncover the truth about your nighttime struggles (and hopefully get a good night's rest!).
If you're reading this, we assume that you are concerned that you or a loved one can be suffering from sleep apnea and we recommend speaking to a sleep medicine specialist. One of the most common ways that patients even find out they have sleep apnea is by their bed partner that complains that you stop breathing or that it sounds like you are choking in your sleep. If it is not by their bed partner, they usually discover that they have sleep apnea by going to their doctor with the common signs of sleep apnea.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea disrupts your normal sleep patterns, leading to various symptoms throughout the night and during the day.
Here are common and silent signs to watch out for:
Common Symptoms:
Loud Snoring: Snoring is a hallmark symptom of sleep apnea. It is typically loud and persistent, with frequent pauses in breathing.
Choking or Gasping During Sleep: People with sleep apnea often experience episodes where they wake up gasping for air due to a blocked airway. This can be a scary experience and significantly disrupt sleep quality. Although, surprisingly some people don’t even notice waking up and most reports come from bed partners.
Daytime Fatigue: Despite getting what seems like a whole night's sleep, you might feel excessively tired throughout the day. Sleep apnea prevents you from reaching deep sleep stages, leaving you feeling unrested and experiencing excessive daytime sleepiness.
Silent Symptoms:
Morning Headaches: Sleep apnea can lead to persistent headaches in the morning upon rising. This is due to oxygen deprivation during sleep, which contributes to the regular sleep apnea headache upon waking.
Dry Mouth: Waking up with a sore throat and dry mouth can also indicate sleep apnea. During apneas, your mouth stays open as you struggle to breathe, leading to dryness.
Mood Changes: Sleep apnea can significantly impact your mood. The lack of quality sleep can lead to irritability, depression, and difficulty concentrating.
One person shared their experience:
"Sleep deprivation made me feel pretty awful and easy to anger and irritate. But CPAP and sleep hygiene sorted me out. Thank God"
Another one said:
“Mild sleep apnea is, on average 5 events an hour. Imagine someone bothering you every 12 minutes while trying to sleep every night. How long can you keep that up until your sleep debt catches up with you?”
Risk Factors for Sleep Apnea
Understanding the risk factors for sleep apnea can help you take proactive steps toward better health.
Several factors can increase your chances of developing sleep apnea. Here are the primary culprits:
Age: Sleep apnea becomes more common with age . The risk increases significantly for those over 40. Muscles supporting the airway weaken as we age, and tissue breakdown can narrow the airway.
Weight: Being overweight or obese is a significant risk factor for sleep apnea. Excess weight can cause fatty deposits to build up around the upper airway, obstructing your breathing during sleep. According to WebMD , over 50% of people with sleep apnea are either overweight or obese.
Genetics: A family history of sleep apnea puts you at a higher risk. If sleep apnea runs in your family, you should be extra vigilant about monitoring for symptoms.
Lifestyle: Certain lifestyle choices can worsen sleep apnea. Smoking is a double whammy - it irritates the airway, increases inflammation, and contributes to fluid retention that can narrow the airway. Alcohol consumption can also aggravate sleep apnea by relaxing the muscles in the throat, which can further obstruct breathing during sleep.
Lesser-Known Risk Factors
Nasal Congestion: Chronic nasal congestion, whether due to allergies or anatomical issues like a deviated septum, can contribute to sleep apnea by obstructing airflow.
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): This might surprise you, but high blood pressure is both a risk factor and a potential consequence of sleep apnea. The repeated strain on your cardiovascular system due to breathing interruptions can lead to high blood pressure. Conversely, untreated sleep apnea can worsen existing hypertension.
How Sleep Apnea is Diagnosed
Early diagnosis of sleep apnea is crucial. It can significantly improve your quality of life and prevent serious health complications like heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure.
So, how do you get diagnosed?
The diagnostic process typically starts with a visit to your doctor. They'll want to get a clear picture of your situation, so don't be surprised if they ask many questions.
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and sleep habits. Here are some common questions they might ask:
Do you snore loudly?
Do you ever wake up gasping for air?
Has anyone ever noticed that you stop breathing while you sleep?
Do you feel excessively tired during the day, even after a whole night's sleep?
Answering these questions honestly will help your doctor build a complete picture of your sleep health.
There's no need to feel embarrassed or anxious during this consultation. Sleep apnea is a common condition, and your doctor is there to help. Be open and honest about your experiences, and don't hesitate to ask any questions you might have.
After your consultation, your doctor might recommend a sleep study to confirm the diagnosis. While there are different types of sleep studies, the most common and convenient way to diagnose sleep apnea is with a home sleep test .
Home sleep tests are a fast, easy, and non-invasive way to diagnose sleep apnea. You'll be provided with a special device to wear at home overnight. It will monitor your breathing patterns, oxygen levels, and other sleep-related functions.
The next day, you simply return the device, and a sleep specialist will analyze the data to determine if you have sleep apnea. The results of your sleep study will typically be available within a few days to a week, allowing your doctor to discuss treatment options with you.
The Risks of Untreated Sleep Apnea
Did you know that untreated sleep apnea can increase the risk of serious health problems like heart disease and stroke? It's true. Leaving sleep apnea untreated can significantly impact your overall health and well-being.
Let's explore some of the immediate risks:
High Blood Pressure: Older people often ask: Can sleep apnea cause high blood pressure? Regardless of age, sleep apnea can cause sudden drops in blood oxygen levels , increasing blood pressure and straining the cardiovascular system. Over time, this can lead to serious complications like heart disease and stroke.
Heart Problems: Untreated sleep apnea significantly increases your risk of heart attacks, strokes, and irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias). The constant stress on your heart from oxygen deprivation and blood pressure fluctuations can take a toll.
Type 2 Diabetes: Sleep apnea is associated with insulin resistance and can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes .
Liver Problems: People with sleep apnea are more likely to have abnormal results on liver function tests and show signs of liver scarring.
Complications with Medications and Surgery: Sleep apnea can affect how your body processes medications and anesthesia . This can make surgery riskier and lead to unexpected complications.
Daytime Fatigue: Untreated sleep apnea can lead to chronic fatigue, making it difficult to stay alert during the day. This increased fatigue can also result in a higher risk of accidents at work and while driving.
Beyond the dangers mentioned above, the constant fatigue caused by untreated sleep apnea can also affect your mood, relationships, and ability to enjoy daily activities.
The good news is that treating sleep apnea can instantly improve your quality of life, reduce health risks, and increase life expectancy.
One of the most common treatments for sleep apnea is a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine. This device uses gentle air pressure to keep your airway open while you sleep, preventing those breathing pauses and allowing you to get a good night's rest.
Lifestyle Changes to Manage Sleep Apnea
Looking for ways to improve your sleep and reduce sleep apnea symptoms naturally?
Small changes in your daily routine can make a big difference in managing this condition. Here are some practical lifestyle tips to consider:
1. Diet
What you eat can impact your sleep. Avoid heavy meals close to bedtime, as they can make breathing difficult while you sleep. Opt for a lighter, well-balanced dinner a few hours before bed.
2. Exercise Regularly
Regular physical activity is a powerful tool for managing sleep apnea. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week. Exercise helps you fall asleep faster, sleep more soundly, and reduce daytime fatigue.
3. Sleep Hygiene
Healthy sleep habits, also known as sleep hygiene , are crucial for reducing sleep apnea symptoms.
Below are some tips you can incorporate into your routine:
Maintain a Sleep Schedule: Go to bed and wake up at consistent times each day, even on weekends. Avoid frequent long daytime naps; stick to short 20-minute "power naps" in the afternoon.
Sunlight Exposure: Getting morning and daytime sunshine can help your body clock stay on track, leading to better sleep at night.
Reduce Caffeine and Sugar Intake: Too much Caffeine and sugar can block adenosine, a sleep-promoting chemical in the brain. This, in turn, disrupts the natural sleep-wake cycle.
Improve Your Sleep Environment: Add some light-scented candles to your bedroom and keep the room cool, dark, and quiet. Invest in a comfortable mattress and pillows.
Stop Using Devices Before Sleep: Avoid using electronic devices like phones or laptops in bed, as the blue light emitted from these screens can interfere with sleep.
Elevate Your Head: Sleeping on your back can worsen sleep apnea. Try using extra pillows or a wedge pillow to elevate your head and open your airway.
Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea
There are several effective ways to manage sleep apnea, and the best approach for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Let's explore some of the most common and effective treatment options:
1. CPAP Machines :
CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machines are a gold standard treatment for sleep apnea.
CPAP devices gently push air through a mask you wear while you sleep. The pressurized air keeps your airway open, preventing those sleep-disrupting breathing pauses.
Pros: CPAP machines are highly effective, improve sleep quality, reduce daytime fatigue, and lower the risk of other health-related issues. Today’s technological advancements have made great advances in comfort and effectiveness like Humidifiers that can add moisture to the air and ease dryness, autofit and minimal contact mask options with fewer contact points to reduce irritation.
Cons: There’s a learning curve and equipment requires regular maintenance. However, there are solutions to address common CPAP discomforts.
2. Dental Oral Appliances :
Oral appliances are a good alternative for some people who find CPAP therapy difficult to tolerate. These custom-made devices fit inside your mouth and gently position your jaw forward to keep your airway open.
Pros: Oral appliances are often less intrusive than CPAP machines. They are also portable, easy to use, and more effective for mild to moderate sleep apnea.
Cons: Oral appliances may cause jaw discomfort or pain, especially when first used. They also may not be as effective for severe sleep apnea as CPAP therapy and may require periodic adjustments to ensure proper fit.
3. CPAP Alternatives :
CPAP Alternatives include snoring solutions, daytime therapy devices and other accessories to help alleviate symptoms without using a CPAP Machine.
Pros: Generally less invasive than CPAP machines and surgical options, which leads to higher compliance.
Cons: May not be as efficient in treating severe sleep apnea.
4. Surgical Options :
Surgery is typically reserved for severe sleep apnea cases or for people who don't respond well to other treatment options. There are various surgical procedures available.
The common surgeries include:
Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP): This procedure removes tissue from the back of the throat and uvula to enlarge the airway.
Maxillomandibular Advancement (MMA): This surgery involves surgically repositioning the jawbone forward to create more space in the airway.
Meanwhile, the major pros and cons of sleep apnea surgery treatments include:
Pros: Surgical procedures can be a good option for patients who can't tolerate CPAP or oral appliances. In some cases, surgery may provide long-term relief from sleep apnea.
Cons: Surgery is an invasive procedure that requires recovery time and carries the risk of complications. There's also no guarantee that surgery will completely cure sleep apnea.
How Do I Know If I Have Sleep Apnea ?
Think you might have sleep apnea, but sleeping in a sleep lab and paying incredible amounts of money for it is not for you?
There's good news! Sleeplay's home sleep test allows you to check for sleep apnea in the comfort of your bedroom after just one night with a device that has only three points of contact in the body.
Here's how the process works:
Step 1: Schedule a Consultation
Order your home sleep test and receive a link to schedule your consultation with the doctor and an intake form to complete before your visit.
Step 2: Ship the Home Sleep Test to You
We will ship your home sleep test straight to you after the consultation.
Step 3: Start Your Home Sleep Test
After just one overnight test in your bed, you'll gain access to your results.
Step 4: Prescription for Your CPAP Machine
If sleep apnea is diagnosed, you will get a prescription and be eligible to purchase a CPAP machine.
Final Thoughts
Schedule a free consultation with one of our Sleep specialists A good night's sleep is within reach. Don't let sleep apnea hold you back!
If you worry about your health and keep asking: How do I know if I have sleep apnea?
https://sleeplay.com/pages/contactor explore Sleeplay's range of sleep apnea products.
We offer a variety of CPAP machines and accessories to help you get the restful sleep you deserve.
