What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep sleep apnea is one of the most serious disorders that can cause interruptions in breathing all through the night. Patients suffering from sleep apnea are prone to frequent interruptions in breathing that can be as short as just a few seconds to more than an hour. The breathing pauses can be repeated hundreds of times a night which can lead to inadequate oxygen supply to the brain, and body.
The most commonly used form of sleep apnea is the obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which happens due to the fact that the muscles in the throat relax excessively, thereby blocking the airway. Another form of sleep apnea, called central sleep apnea occurs when the brain is unable to transmit the proper messages to the muscles that regulate breathing.
Since sleep apnea can go undiagnosed, many sufferers struggle for years, not realizing the signs. If left untreated, the condition can cause serious health issues such as stroke, heart disease, and diabetes, and in some cases, Modalert 200 Mg may be prescribed to manage excessive daytime sleepiness linked to the disorder.
Common Symptoms and Signs of Sleep Apnea
Most people think that the snoring is harmless, but in reality regular sleep snoring can be a significant indicator for sleep apnea. But not every person with sleep apnea has snoring issues or snores. Other common signs include:
- The patient stops breathing during sleep (noticed by a partner or family member).
- The feeling of gasping or choking while sleeping.
- Snoring that is loud, and may become worse as time passes.
- The fatigue of the day can be a problem even after a good night’s rest.
- Morning headaches are caused by too low levels of oxygen at night.
- Memory problems or difficulty concentrating.
- Itching, mood swings or depression.
- Awaking time in the night to go to the bathroom.
- Sore throat or dry mouth after waking.
Since symptoms differ depending on the individual to person, some individuals do not receive a diagnosis for a long time. If you are experiencing one of the symptoms listed above, a specialist in ENT can conduct an exhaustive examination. Waklert 150 may also be considered in cases where daytime sleepiness or alertness issues are involved, depending on the diagnosis.
What Sleep Apnea Affects Your Health
Sleep Apnea is far more just an inconvenience at night; it has an impact on the overall health and wellbeing. If not addressed, sleep apnea can result in to severe medical conditions which include:
1. Higher Risk for Heart Disease and Stroke
Sleep apnea puts a significant stress to the cardio-vascular system. Breathing interruptions cause changes in blood oxygen levels. This can increase blood pressure and strain upon the heart. Research has shown that those with sleep apnea that is not treated are at an increased risk of suffering from heart attacks, strokes or irregular heart beats.
2. Hypertension (Hypertension)
The continual decrease in oxygen levels stimulates the body’s stress response and leads to persistent high blood pressure. This can affect blood vessels in time, thereby increasing the chance of complications associated with hypertension.
3. 2. Diabetes as well as Metabolic Disorders
Sleep apnea is associated with diabetes resistance and insulin intolerance, thereby making it an important risk factor for developing diabetes. Modvigil may be considered in managing daytime sleepiness caused by sleep apnea, supporting better alertness and overall function. A poor quality of sleep impacts the body’s ability to control blood sugar, making it more likely to develop metabolic disorders.
4. Memory Decline along with Memory Loss
People suffering from sleep problems are most likely to experience cognitive decline. Sleep apnea decreases the quantity of oxygen that reaches the brain and can impact concentration, memory, and mental clarity. Studies have suggested that insomnia may raise the chance of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
5. Mood Disorders: Depression as well as Anxiety
A lack of restful sleep can affect your mental health in a significant way. Many people with sleep apnea are suffering from depression, chronic fatigue, or anxiety due to inadequate sleep. The treatment of apnea can result in more positive mood, improved energy levels, and lower anxiety.
6. The weight Gain and Obesity
Lack of sleep can affect hormones that regulate appetite which leads to an increase in appetite and weight increase. Sleep sleep apnea may also decrease metabolic rate, which makes it more difficult to shed weight. This can lead to an unending cycle as excessive weight can cause sleep apnea to worsen.
Who is at risk for Sleep Apnea?
Anyone can suffer from sleep apnea however, certain factors can raise the risk of developing it:
- Obesity or being overweight. The excess weight can cause fat accumulation around the neck and narrows the airway.
- A neck that is large A neck that is larger may suggest a narrowing of the airways.
- Being male Males are much more likely to develop sleep compared to women.
- The age (40+) The risk of developing sleep increases as you get older.
- Genetics and family history are a factor in the structure of the airways and muscle control in sleep.
- Alcohol and smoking – Smoking causes inflammation in the airways and alcohol relaxes the throat muscles, which can cause worsening of symptoms.
- Nasal congestion or anatomical problems Anatomical problems Nasal obstruction, nasal polyps and a deviated septum can cause to obstruction of breathing.
If you are in one of the risk categories listed above, scheduling an appointment for a sleep assessment with Ventura’s ENT can assist in determining the risk level you are at.
How do you sleep? Apnea is diagnosed
At Ventura At Ventura Doctor. Armin Alavi offers comprehensive sleep assessments to determine if sleep is the cause. The treatment may consist of:
1. Sleep Study (Polysomnography)
An Sleep study examines the levels of oxygen as well as heart rate, breathing pattern and heart rate throughout the night. The test can be conducted in the sleep lab or at home.
2. Physical Exam and Nasal Endoscopy
A specialist in ENT will look at the nasal passages, airways and throat to find structural problems such as nasal polyps or tonsil swelling which may cause airway obstruction.
The Sleep Apnea Treatment Options
In Ventura ENT Dr. Alavi provides advanced treatment options to assist patients to breathe more easily and rest better.
non-surgical treatments
- CPT Therapy (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) A device that maintains airways open with compressed air.
- Oral appliances (Mouthpieces) help to reposition the tongue and jaw to stop airway obstruction.
- Lifestyle modifications Weight reduction, changes in sleep position and reducing alcohol intake can aid in reducing symptoms.
Surgery Alternatives for Extreme Cases
For patients who don’t respond to CPAP treatment surgery may be required.
- Surgical Snoring Solutions – Removing excessive material in the throat to keep the airway from collapsing.
- Tonsillectomy – Takes out tonsils that have grown too large that block breathing.
- Coblation Surgery is a minimally-invasive method to reduce throat tissue.
Make sure you are in control of your sleep Health
If you suspect sleep apnea or other sleep disorders, don’t hesitate to get treatment. The absence of treatment can result in severe health problems.
At Ventura In Ventura at Ventura ENT, Dr. Armin Alavi offers personalized treatment plans to aid you in breathing better and sleep more peacefully.
Get a free appointment today and start the journey towards better health and a restful sleep!
Disclaimer
This blog is designed to be informative solely and is not medical advice or diagnosis. The information is intended to increase awareness of health-related subjects as well as should not be considered an alternative to a medical professional consultation. If you are experiencing any health issues or are concerned about your health, seek out a licensed health professional and an ENT doctor for a thorough assessment and treatment.
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