Sleep Apnea at a Glance
Sleep apnea is a problem that can go undetected for a long period of time. Do you have a snorer in your family? Perhaps you are the one doing the snoring without even realizing it. But snoring is not something to take lightly, as it can be a sign of sleep apnea.
NorthShore University HealthSytems states, “Sleep apnea means that you often stop breathing for 10 seconds or longer during sleep. The problem can be mild to severe, based on the number of times each hour that you stop breathing or how often your lungs don’t get enough air. This may happen from 5 to 50 times an hour”.
Snoring might not be the only symptom of sleep apnea, here are a few more:
• Excessive daytime sleepiness, which is falling asleep when you normally should not, such as while you are eating, talking, or driving.
• Waking with an unrefreshed feeling after sleep, having problems with memory and concentration, feeling tired, and experiencing personality changes.
• Morning or night headaches. About half of all people with sleep apnea report headaches
• Heartburn or a sour taste in the mouth at night.
• Swelling of the legs if you are obese.
• Sweating and chest pain while you are sleeping.
Nevertheless, sleep apnea can be treated. Revolution Health suggests, “Treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) includes lifestyle changes, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) … the use of dental devices (oral breathing devices) to help keep your airway open, medicine to help you stay awake during the day, and surgery”.
There are still many unknown facts about the effects of sleep apnea on the heart. NorthShore University HealthSystems will be holding a live chat on the topic on Thursday, February 12th addressing the issue as well as answering questions.
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