What Is Sleep Apnea, And How Do You Treat It?

 

Are you experiencing sleep apnea and not knowing that, or do you know you have sleep apnea but don’t take it seriously? Then you are playing with your health. Sleep apnea can be severe if not treated timely. But you don’t need to panic because this article provides details on Sleep apnea.

Sleep disorders are conditions that disturb your sleep or prevent you from getting restful sleep and cause daytime sleepiness and other symptoms.

Moreover, sleep disorder refers to conditions that affect sleep quality, timing, or duration and impact a person’s capacity to function while they are awake properly. These can contribute to other medical problems, and some may be symptoms of mental health issues.

In this article, we will discuss the types, causes, symptoms, and treatments of sleep apnea, so don’t miss out on crucial points.

What Are The Types Of Sleep Disorders?

There are about 80 different kinds of sleep disorders. Some of the most common types are mentioned below,

• Insomnia

• Sleep apnea

• Restless legs syndrome

• Narcolepsy

Moreover, Sleep apnea has three major types of disorders, which includes,

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

This type of sleep disorder is the most common one that occurs when throat muscles relax.

Central Sleep Apnea

This type of sleep apnea appears when the brain does not send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing because of instability in the respiratory control center.

Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome

It is also called treatment-emergent central sleep apnea, which occurs when you face obstructive and central sleep apnea at the same time.

What Are The Symptoms Of Sleep Apnea?

It is essential to know how to identify symptoms of sleep apnea so that you can get the proper treatment for your condition.

Sleep apnea is when a person ceases breathing or breathing shallowly for a long time during their sleep. It can occur many times in one night, and the person might not remember it happening the next day. If untreated on time, it can lead to severe health problems, such as high blood pressure and heart disease.

Depending on the extremity and type of sleep disorder, symptoms differ. They also vary when sleep disorders occur due to another condition. Common symptoms include,

• Loud Snoring

• Gasping for air

• Issues with sleep

• Daytime dizziness

• Weight gain

• Mood swings

• Mouth and throat dryness

• Morning headache

• Sweating during the night

• Urination problem during the whole night

• Sexual Dysfunction is a problem that many people face

• Lightheadedness

What Causes Sleep Apnea?

Different sleep disorders have different causes, which include,

• Heart disease, lung disease, nerve disorders, and pain

• Mental conditions such as depression and anxiety

• Medicines

• Genetics

Moreover, some other factors cause sleep problems, including,

• Caffeine and alcohol

• Irregular schedule like working at night

• Aging

What Are The Treatments For Sleep Apnea?

Treatment can be done depending on the type and underlying cause. Whereas it includes medical treatment and lifestyle changes together. There are various treatments and ways to reduce sleep apnea. Some of them are,

Medical Treatment

The following treatment for sleep disturbances include any of the below-mentioned,

• Sleeping pills

• Supplements of Melatonin 

• Medicine for allergy or cold

• Medication for underlying health issues

• Surgery or breathing device

• A dental guard (primarily for teeth grinding)

Medical Therapies

Here are some therapies used for sleep apnea.

CPAP Therapy

A continuous positive air pressure machine is the most common treatment for mild and severe sleep apnea. While you sleep, the device pushes pressurized air into your airway by preventing the airway from closing. Most people find it hard to sleep with CPAP, but gradually they will become used to it.

Dental Appliance

It is another device-based treatment that involves a dental appliance. When it wears on, it helps you lower your jaw up and forward by helping to retain the airway open while you sleep.

Surgery

• Through surgery, remove the tonsils and adenoids.

• It helps change the structure of the mouth and nose.

Lifestyle Changes

To enhance your quality of rest, you must change your lifestyle. You should consider,

• Use more vegetables and fish in your diet and reduce using sugar

• Exercising and stretching can reduce your stress and anxiety

• Drinking less water before going to bed

• Reduce using caffeine intake, especially in the late afternoon and evening

• Limit using tobacco and alcohol

• Eat a small number of carbohydrate meals after going to bed

• Maintain a healthy weight recommended by your doctor

Bottom Line

Hopefully, this article gave you enough knowledge on sleep apnea. Just make sure you see such symptoms, don’t delay and ignore them. Visit a nearby doctor to avoid serious problems caused by sleep apnea.

Moreover, if you want to consult a renowned and expert doctor, contacting Gorman health and wellness is a great way to get help, as they have the best sleep apnea doctor Los Angeles offers you. Who deliver the best professional services to their patients.