Quality is sleep is a critical and often-overlooked component of good health. Sleep disorders, including sleep apnea, can contribute to getting a poor night’s rest.
Sleep apnea, sometimes also called obstructive sleep apnea, is a serious disease that often goes undiagnosed. The American Medical Association says about 30 million Americans have sleep apnea. However, only 6 million have been diagnosed with the condition. Untreated, sleep apnea can contribute to other serious health problems.
National Sleep Awareness Month in March offers good time to learn about the signs of sleep apnea, says Dr. Patrick Terry, a Family Medicine Physician with ThedaCare Physicians-Oshkosh.
“Talk with your doctor or advanced practice provider if you show signs of sleep apnea,” he says. “With treatment, you can get back to getting a good night’s sleep.”
Identifying Sleep Apnea
Snoring often is the first clue that someone has sleep apnea. The condition leads to a person’s airway getting blocked repeatedly during sleep. This causes people to stop breathing for short amounts of time.
Beyond snoring, sleep apnea symptoms include:
- Gasping for air during sleep
- Daytime sleepiness
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Irritability
- Frequent waking
- Frequent waking to urinate
A person’s partner may notice stop-breathing episodes during the night as well.
Cause for Concern
The interrupted breathing patterns of sleep apnea can contribute to other serious health issues. These include type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart failure, kidney disease, memory loss, depression, and stroke. The disease can even lead to a shorter lifespan if left untreated.
“Sleep apnea affects how much oxygen your body receives while you sleep. Depleted oxygen levels can damage your body,” Dr. Terry says. “The condition also affects the quality of your sleep, leaving you more tired. People who undergo sleep apnea treatment often report feeling more well-rested.”
Risk Factors
Risk factors for sleep apnea include:
- Obesity/overweight
- Hypothyroidism
- Family history of sleep apnea
- Menopause
- Heart failure
- Kidney failure
- Alcohol use
- Smoking
- Worsening anxiety/depression
- Early-onset dementia
Other factors can play a role as well. People with certain anatomical factors, such as large tonsils or wider necks, are at greater risk. The condition also is more common in older adults and men.
Diagnosis
“If you suspect you have sleep apnea, it’s important to have it checked,” Dr. Terry says. “Getting back to healthy sleep can improve your quality of life and overall health.”
A conversation with a family medicine physician or advanced practice provider is the best place to start. If they are comfortable and confident of the diagnosis, they may be able to order a home sleep study to confirm sleep apnea.
During the overnight study, the individual wears sensors. These monitor heart rate, breathing, blood oxygen levels, and brain waves while sleeping. The test results help confirm a sleep apnea diagnosis. If the test shows sleep apnea, a person may need to see a pulmonologist to begin treatment.
Treatment
If diagnosed with sleep apnea, the pulmonologist likely will recommend the use of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. The sleeper wears a mask over their nose or nose and mouth. Through this, air enters the body, helping to keep the airways open.
ThedaCare At Home provides CPAP machines and associated equipment for people diagnosed with sleep apnea. Their expert team can help people find the products that best meet their needs.
“Those who want to explore other sleep apnea treatment options should talk with their health care team,” Dr. Terry says. “Sleep affects so many other parts of our health. It’s important to find a treatment that you can stick to.”
If you have sleep apnea concerns, schedule an appointment today.
