Have you ever woken up in the night feeling as though you were choking or gasping for air? Or have a sore, dry throat from loud, persistent snoring? These may be signs of sleep apnea, a serious condition if left untreated.
Sleep apnea is a respiratory-related sleep disorder that affects more than 30% of men and nearly 17% of women in the United States between the ages of 30 to 70 years.
“Sleep apnea is a common disorder that can have a significant impact on your overall health and wellbeing,” said Dr. Salah Aboubakr, pulmonologist and medical director for the McLaren Greater Lansing Sleep Center. “It is characterized by a pause in breathing during sleep, which can lead to a range of symptoms including snoring, fragmented sleep, and low oxygen levels in the body.”
People with certain health conditions have an increased risk of developing sleep apnea. Males are more likely to develop sleep apnea as they age. Other risk factors include obesity, smoking, alcohol use, and certain medical conditions such as hypothyroidism.
“Sleep apnea can lead to a host of problems,” said Dr. Aboubakr. “Not only does it result in poor and unrestful sleep, but it can also lead to complications related to low oxygen levels in the body. These complications include hypertension (high blood pressure), atrial fibrillation among other heart problems, increased risk of stroke, and memory loss.”
If you find yourself experiencing poor sleep, morning headaches, daytime sleepiness, irritability, and fatigue, it’s important to consider the possibility of sleep apnea and discuss it with your primary care provider who can refer you to a sleep center for further evaluation.
The McLaren Greater Lansing Sleep and Alertness Center offers a sleep study that may take place either at home or at the Sleep Center to assess your condition and determine the most appropriate course of action. The most common treatment option for sleep apnea is the use of a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine.
“CPAP machines must be used every time you sleep,” said Dr. Aboubakr. “Continuous flow of filtered and pressured air helps keep your airways open and to stabilize your breathing, improving your overall sleep.”
Other treatment options may include behavior therapy (such as weight loss management or increasing exercise), oral devices such as mouth guards, or implantable devices — a mask-free solution for people who struggle to use a CPAP machine.
“Remember good sleep is essential for your overall health and wellbeing,” said Dr. Aboubakr.
To take a sleep assessment to help determine your level of daytime sleepiness, click here. To learn more about how to prepare for a sleep study, click here.
To read more articles on health and wellness, click here.