What Is Sleep Apnea and How Is It Treated?

Do you lie awake at night and wonder, “What is sleep apnea and how is it treated? Is it affecting my health?” If so, you’re not alone. Sleep apnea is a common disorder that affects millions of people around the world. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the most often undiagnosed sleep disorders, which can have serious consequences if left untreated.

Understanding what sleep apnea is and how it can be treated is a great first step to a better night’s rest. If you’re ready to take back control of your sleep and health, then you’re in the right place. We’ll be sharing everything you need to know about the symptoms, dangers, and treatment options for those suffering from sleep apnea.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

To put it simply, sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where airflow is restricted, causing sporadic breathing patterns. Not only does this disrupt sleep, but it also leads to oxygen deprivation, which has more serious health consequences.

Sleep apnea has three main forms:

• Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): The most common type of sleep apnea. This is when the throat muscles block the airway passage because they are too relaxed.
• Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): This occurs when the brain doesn’t signal to the muscles to keep breathing.
• Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome: A combination of both OSA and CSA.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

Because sleep apnea occurs when we are sleeping, it can be hard to recognize the individual symptoms beyond feeling tired. However, symptoms may be easier to identify if you sleep with a partner. If you believe you are suffering from sleep apnea, here are some signs to look out for:

• Unusual breathing patterns
• Snoring
• Waking up repeatedly during the night
• Waking up feeling short of breathability
• Excessive fatigue
• Headaches
• Irritability
• Difficulty concentrating

Consequences of Sleep Apnea

Some of the symptoms of sleep apnea (like headaches, fatigue, and irritability) can also be consequences. But because of oxygen deprivation, sleep apnea can have more serious complications. And when the disorder is left untreated, you also run the risk of dire, long-term effects.

Here are some of the ways that sleep apnea can impact your physical and mental well-being:

• Hypertension and high blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Type 2 diabetes
• Depression and anxiety
• Cognitive decline

Are Some People More at Risk for Sleep Apnea?

While sleep apnea can happen to anyone, there are some people who may be at higher risk. People with pre-existing heart conditions or elevated blood pressure are more likely to have sleep apnea. This also goes for people with a biological family history of the sleep disorder. You may also be more prone to sleep apnea if you have large tonsils or if are obese.

How Is Sleep Apnea Diagnosed?

If you suspect you are suffering from sleep apnea, it’s crucial to sleep with a medical professional. Bringing video or audio recordings can be useful if you have them (feel free to ask your partner to film your breathing).

To confirm the diagnosis, you will most likely be sent for a polysomnogram, which is an overnight sleep test. Some providers may suggest at-home sleep apnea testing, although this can only diagnose OSA and not CSA.

During the test, your doctor will rate your severity level based on the apnea/hypopnea index (AHI). Low levels of AHI (5 – 14 per hour) are considered mild, while higher levels (30 or more per hour) are more severe.

How Is Sleep Apnea Treated?

Once you have your diagnosis, your doctor can put you on a treatment plan. Here are some of the most common treatment options for sleep apnea:

• Changing your sleep position
• Lifestyle changes (losing weight, avoiding alcohol, quitting smoking)
• Using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine or breathing device
• Wearing a mouthpiece to keep the airway open
• Using a neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) device
• Medications
• Jaw surgery or nasal surgery

The Importance of Sleep Apnea and Sleep Week

Organized by the National Sleep Foundation, Sleep Week is an annual campaign in March focused on sleep awareness. The goal of the event is to educate the public on the importance of sleep on our health. Not only do they highlight different disorders like sleep apnea, but they also share strategies for improving sleep quality.

One of their biggest tips is to invest in a high-quality mattress. That’s because your mattress is directly related to sleep quality, sleep disturbances, and back support. Improving your bed set up at home can make a huge difference – whether you have sleep apnea or not.

If you’re ready to upgrade your sleep experience, here are a few mattress types to consider:

• PurpleRenew Mattress: Made with a GelFlex grid and Ultra Comfort Foam layer, the PurpleRenew offers excellent pressure relief and temperature control. Plus it’s now $300 off!
• Nectar Ultra Memory Foam: This mattress is great for target pressure relief. It has 4x the amount of contouring foam and zoned ergonomic support to ease shoulder, back, and hip pain.
• DreamCloud Premier Hybrid: With supportive innerspring coils and a cushioning memory foam top, the Premier Hybrid is comfortable and supportive at the same time.

Get Better Sleep

Living with sleep apnea can be overwhelming and even detrimental to your health. But the good news is – it’s completely treatable! Now that you know what is sleep apnea, you can seek treatment and take the necessary steps toward better rest. Changing your diet to foods that help you sleep better can also be a natural approach to some sleep conditions. But it’s always best to consult with a medical professional to ensure you’re choosing the right solution for your needs. After all, nothing is more important than sleep for a healthier and happier life!