Sleep apnea prevents people from enjoying restful, healthy sleep.
That’s a problem for millions of Americans, as quality sleep is a critical and often-overlooked component of good health, said Dr. Patrick Terry, a Family Medicine Physician with ThedaCare Physicians-Oshkosh.
Sleep apnea, sometimes called obstructive sleep apnea, is a serious condition that often goes undiagnosed.
The American Medical Association says about 30 million Americans have sleep apnea with only about six million of them officially diagnosed with the condition. Left untreated, sleep apnea may contribute to other serious health problems such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart failure, kidney disease, memory loss, depression and stroke. The disease may even lead to a shorter lifespan.
It’s important to know the signs of sleep apnea, Dr. Terry said.
“Talk with your primary care provider if you show signs of sleep apnea, or any sleep problem that leaves you fatigued, sleepy and irritable,” he said. “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. Beyond snoring, other symptoms include:
- Gasping for air during sleep
- Daytime sleepiness
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Irritability
“Sleep apnea affects how much oxygen your body receives while you sleep. Depleted oxygen levels can negatively impact your body,” Dr. Terry said. “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 for sleep apnea include but aren’t limited to:
- Obesity/overweight
- Family history of sleep apnea
- Alcohol use
- Smoking
- 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 said. “Getting back to healthy sleep may help improve your quality of life and overall health.”
A conversation with a primary care provider is the best place to start, Dr. Terry advised. If they are 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 that 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.
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, Dr. Terry said. The ThedaCare At Home 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 provider,” Dr. Terry said. “Sleep affects so many other parts of our health. It’s important to find a treatment that you can stick to.”
