Sleep Apnea
Defining Sleep Apnea
Have you ever awakened in the morning only to feel more tired than you were when you to bed? Does your partner snore incessantly, to the point where it almost seems like they stop breathing for a moment during the night? Thousands of people everywhere experience situations just like these, and for some, it might mean that they have a sleep disorder known as sleep apnea, an easily treatable condition that can make you feel irritable, fatigued and out of step with the rest of the world.
Want to know more about sleep apnea and how it can affect your health? All of us here at Trinity Primary Care, have years of experience in diagnosing and treating this condition. Call us today for an immediate consultation.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where a person will stop breathing momentarily while they sleep. It is often hallmarked by bouts of loud snoring or sounds of momentarily choking because the airway becomes blocked. The cutoff of air only lasts seconds, but over time it can cause bigger problems later in life, like high blood pressure and heart problems.
Apnea usually has two distinct causes and is defined as being either central or obstructive. In the obstructive apnea, the airway is actually physically blocked for a few seconds during sleep by either enlarged tonsils or when your tongue shifts and blocks it. Central apnea, on the other hand, has its cause in the brain itself and the brain simply misses sending the proper signals to breathe for a limited time.
Diagnosis and Treatment
In order to accurately diagnose whether or not you have this condition, it might be a good idea to participate in a sleep study. These are usually done at a specialized sleep center, where you will be observed during sleep. You will be attached to multiple machines that will record your brain activity during sleep, movements, heart rate and airflow. The results of all these recordings will help your doctor determine what kind of apnea you have, and how it can be effectively treated.
Physical obstructions during sleep can be dealt with by using a home machine like a CPAP mask that will keep the air flowing through your airways. Another method for treating apnea is to make some simple lifestyle changes. Losing weight can help, as can altering your sleep positions. This is why the sleep test is so important, because without that information, your doctor would have no idea of what your sleep patterns or habits are.
Side Effects of Apnea
Weight control can be an important issue for sleep apnea sufferers. Lack of sleep means a lack of energy during the day, and we will often forgo exercise or eating right because we are just so tired. A lack of concentration can mean problems at work or school, and may make even driving a difficult task. If you find yourself feeling fatigued or out of sorts on a daily basis, talk to your doctor about the possibility that you may have this condition.
Sleep Apnea
Defining Sleep Apnea
Have you ever awakened in the morning only to feel more tired than you were when you to bed? Does your partner snore incessantly, to the point where it almost seems like they stop breathing for a moment during the night? Thousands of people everywhere experience situations just like these, and for some, it might mean that they have a sleep disorder known as sleep apnea, an easily treatable condition that can make you feel irritable, fatigued and out of step with the rest of the world.
Want to know more about sleep apnea and how it can affect your health? All of us here at Trinity Primary Care, have years of experience in diagnosing and treating this condition. Call us today for an immediate consultation.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where a person will stop breathing momentarily while they sleep. It is often hallmarked by bouts of loud snoring or sounds of momentarily choking because the airway becomes blocked. The cutoff of air only lasts seconds, but over time it can cause bigger problems later in life, like high blood pressure and heart problems.
Apnea usually has two distinct causes and is defined as being either central or obstructive. In the obstructive apnea, the airway is actually physically blocked for a few seconds during sleep by either enlarged tonsils or when your tongue shifts and blocks it. Central apnea, on the other hand, has its cause in the brain itself and the brain simply misses sending the proper signals to breathe for a limited time.
Diagnosis and Treatment
In order to accurately diagnose whether or not you have this condition, it might be a good idea to participate in a sleep study. These are usually done at a specialized sleep center, where you will be observed during sleep. You will be attached to multiple machines that will record your brain activity during sleep, movements, heart rate and airflow. The results of all these recordings will help your doctor determine what kind of apnea you have, and how it can be effectively treated.
Physical obstructions during sleep can be dealt with by using a home machine like a CPAP mask that will keep the air flowing through your airways. Another method for treating apnea is to make some simple lifestyle changes. Losing weight can help, as can altering your sleep positions. This is why the sleep test is so important, because without that information, your doctor would have no idea of what your sleep patterns or habits are.
Side Effects of Apnea
Weight control can be an important issue for sleep apnea sufferers. Lack of sleep means a lack of energy during the day, and we will often forgo exercise or eating right because we are just so tired. A lack of concentration can mean problems at work or school, and may make even driving a difficult task. If you find yourself feeling fatigued or out of sorts on a daily basis, talk to your doctor about the possibility that you may have this condition.