What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a condition in which your breathing is interrupted during sleep. It can occur either when the muscles in your throat relax and collapse, or when your brain doesn’t send signals to your muscles to keep them breathing.
There are two types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central sleep apnea (CSA). Obstructive sleep apnea is the more common type. It occurs when the muscles in your throat relax and collapse, blocking your airway. Central sleep apnea occurs when your brain doesn’t send signals to your muscles to keep them breathing.
Sleep apnea can cause serious health problems, including high blood pressure, heart disease, heart attack, and daytime sleepiness. It can also lead to lower oxygen levels in your blood.
People with sleep apnea often snore loudly. But not everyone who snores has sleep apnea. And not everyone with sleep apnea snores loudly.
If you think you might have sleep apnea, see a doctor who specializes in treating this condition. A doctor can diagnose sleep apnea with a physical exam and a review of your medical history. Asleep study may also be done to check for signs ofsleepapneaduring an overnight stay in a hospital or Sleep Center.
How can sleep apnea kill you?
Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that occurs when a person’s breathing is interrupted during sleep. Sleep apnea can kill you if it is not treated.
There are two types of sleep apnea, central and obstructive. Central sleep apnea occurs when the brain does not send signals to the muscles to breathe. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the throat muscles relax and block the airway.
Sleep apnea can cause high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and other health problems. Untreated sleep apnea can also lead to death.
Treatment for sleep apnea includes lifestyle changes, such as losing weight and quitting smoking. Treatment also includes using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine during sleep. A CPAP machine delivers air through a mask worn over the nose and mouth. The air pressure keeps the airway open so that you can breathe normally during sleep.
Who is at risk for sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a condition in which a person’s breathing is interrupted during sleep. People with sleep apnea are at risk for a number of health problems, including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Sleep apnea can also lead to accidents and injuries.
What are the treatments for sleep apnea?
There are three main types of treatments for sleep apnea:
1. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) – this is the most common and effective treatment for sleep apnea. A small machine provides a constant and gentle stream of air to keep your airway open while you sleep.
2. Oral appliances – these devices are worn in the mouth and help to keep the airway open by bringing the lower jaw forward.
3. Surgery – in some cases, surgery may be recommended to correct anatomic abnormalities that are causing sleep apnea.
If you have sleep apnea, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible in order to avoid serious health consequences.