When a person’s breathing is interrupted during their sleep, it could signify a serious condition known as sleep apnea. If sleep apnea is not treated, it can cause various health issues, such as hypertension, stroke, cardiomyopathy, heart failure, diabetes, and heart attacks.The possible consequences of untreated sleep apnea include job impairment, work-related accidents, car crashes, and underachievement in children and teens. Additionally, irregular heart rhythm and depression are also among the major effects of sleep apnea.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
The major symptoms and signs of sleep apnea include:
- Waking up with a dry or sore throat
- Snoring loudly
- Waking up with a choking or gasping feeling between sleep cycles
- Fatigue
- Drowsiness while driving
- Headaches in the morning
- Forgetfulness
- Decreased libido
- Heartburn
- Irritability and mood swings
- Difficulty concentrating
- Waking up multiple times during the night to use the bathroom
Causes of sleep apnea
Sleep apnea generally occurs due to the following causes:
- The muscles and other tissues in the throat and mouth becoming lax
- Nasal congestion
- Thickened tissues and extra storage of fat across the airway
- An underlying neurologic problem
These may contribute from:
- Hereditary factors
- Infections and allergies
- Obesity
- Thyroid problems
- Heart or kidney imbalance/ failure
- Tonsils that are broad or swollen
Premature births can have sleep apnea, but this typically resolves itself with age.
Lifestyle Treatments for Sleep Apnea
Here are some effective lifestyle changes that can alleviate sleep apnea significantly:
- Lose weight: Being obese or overweight can contribute to sleep apnea. While losing weight is not a permanent solution, it could improve your blood pressure, reduce the number of breathing episodes you experience, and decrease daytime drowsiness.
- Exercise: Exercise decreases your sleep apnea breathing episodes and increases your energy during the day. You can strengthen the muscles in your airways and improve breathing by doing aerobics, yoga, and resistance training.
- Sleep on your side: Lying on your back or stomach can interfere with breathing. The best position for sleep apnea patients is sideways because it helps keep the airway open.
- Avoid alcohol, anti-anxiety pills, or other sedatives: Avoid taking these substances before sleep because they relax the throat muscles, interfere with breathing, and aggravate sleep apnea.
- Quit smoking: Smoking increases inflammation and fluid retention in your throat and upper airway, contributing to sleep apnea.
- Open your nasal passages at night: Use a nasal spray, saline spray, or breathing strips to help you breathe easier at night.
When to See a Doctor.
Remember that not everyone who has sleep apnea snores. If you have signs or symptoms of sleep apnea, speak to your doctor. Contact our medical team MI Express Urgent Care in Canton & Ann Arbor, MI. if you, your friend, or a family member suffer from sleep apnea or are experiencing related symptoms. Our team can identify the underlying causes of your condition and provide the right treatment for you.
