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Snoring, Plus Other Symptoms Of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Snoring affects approximately 90 million people in the United States. With so many people snoring it can’t be that big of a deal, right? Wrong. Snoring, especially snoring loudly, can be a sign of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), a dangerous and potentially dangerous disorder.
Snoring is a warning sign that you aren’t breathing properly while you’re sleeping; your airway is being obstructed. When we sleep the muscles in the throat relax and the throat becomes narrower, ultimately restricting the airway. As we breathe in and out the throat vibrates causing the snoring sound. The narrower the throat becomes the louder the snoring is and the more your airway is obstructed.
If the throat becomes too narrow it can collapse completely and you will stop breathing. When the breathing is stopped involuntarily for at least 10 seconds it is considered OSA.
Another significant indicator of sleep apnea is waking up gasping for air. When the throat collapses it prevents you from breathing and your body should wake itself up, usually trying to catch your breath. Some people will wake up after just seconds of losing air, some may go a couple of minutes without air and some will not wake up at all; this is where sleep apnea becomes extremely dangerous.
Snoring and consistently waking up gasping for air are the top indicators of OSA. If you or your bed partner notices these symptoms you should be tested for sleep apnea.
Other symptoms of sleep apnea aren’t as serious, but are good indicators in diagnosing sleep apnea. Daytime drowsiness, especially after getting a full night’s sleep, and loss of energy are signs that you aren’t sleeping properly through the night. You may not realize that you are waking up frequently throughout the night because you can’t breathe, but your body isn’t getting enough sleep and it is causing you to have issues throughout the day.
OSA often goes undiagnosed, which can be extremely dangerous. Some of the symptoms of sleep apnea put extra pressure on the heart, which can lead to heart disease or a stroke. Death is even a possibility if sleep apnea goes undiagnosed. It’s incredibly important that if you notice the symptoms of sleep apnea that you get help as soon as possible.
Diagnosing and treating sleep apnea may have you worried. You may not want to spend the night in a lab or wear an obstructive Continuous Positive Air Pressure (CPAP) mask, but these measures aren’t always necessary.
OSA diagnostics and treatment have come a long way. An at-home sleep test can record your sleeping habits from the privacy of your bedroom (with no one watching). A sleep specialist can help you learn to use the home sleep test equipment and can interpret the data after you’re finished.
OSA no longer needs to be treated exclusively with a CPAP mask. A smaller option is available for people who suffer from mild to moderate sleep apnea. An oral device that is more retainer-like can be fitted to help keep the airways open during sleep. Patients find that this oral device is easier and more comfortable than a traditional CPAP mask; therefore, they are more likely to use it and actually treat the sleep apnea.
There’s no reason to be afraid of sleep apnea treatment; it could just save your life.
