What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea affects your breathing throughout the night. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) causes the tissues at the back of your throat to relax and block your airways; central sleep apnea affects communication between your brain and the muscles that control your breathing.

Regardless of type, if you regularly experience poor sleep, daytime fatigue, or constant drowsiness, it’s important to seek professional help.

What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?

Symptoms of sleep apnea include:

• Loud snoring
• Periods where you stop breathing during sleep
• Waking up with a dry mouth
• Daytime sleepiness
• Difficulty staying awake
• Morning headache

As the condition gets worse, you might also notice you feel irritable or easily agitated.

Who is at risk of sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea affects people of all backgrounds, but several factors may increase your risk, including:

• Being overweight
• Having a narrowed airway
• Being male
• Being middle-aged or older
• Smoking
• Nasal congestion

You’re also more likely to experience sleep apnea if you drink alcohol or use sedatives or tranquilizers.

How is sleep apnea diagnosed?

To diagnose sleep apnea, your provider reviews your medical history and asks about your symptoms, including how often you wake up during the night, if you regularly feel tired, and if certain activities like drinking before bed seem to make them worse.

Next, your provider conducts a physical exam and orders blood work. They might also have you do a sleep study:

Nocturnal polysomnography

This type of sleep test occurs at a medical facility. A machine monitors your breathing patterns, and heart, lung, and brain activity during sleep. It also tracks your muscle movements and blood oxygen levels.

Home sleep study

A home sleep study is a simplified test you do in your bedroom. Before going to bed, you put a mask over your nose and mouth and attach a few electrodes to your skin. The mask and electrodes monitor and record your heart rate, airflow, and breathing patterns while you sleep.

How is sleep apnea treated?

Treatment of sleep apnea depends on several factors, including the severity of your symptoms and the type of sleep apnea you have. Usually, the team at JAM Wellness Clinics recommends healthy lifestyle changes like maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding alcohol before bed.

If lifestyle changes don’t provide relief, you might benefit from continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). With CPAP, you wear a mask during sleep. The mask attaches to a motor that provides a steady stream of oxygen to keep your airway open.

If your sleep apnea is mild, your provider might recommend a custom oral appliance. They can refer you to a dentist who specializes in manufacturing these devices.

To learn more about the treatment options for sleep apnea, make an appointment at JAM Wellness Clinics by calling the nearest office or clicking the online booking feature today.