Sleep apnea is a serious medical condition that affects over 70 million people in the United States alone. It is characterized by an abrupt stoppage of breathing or shallow breathing during the night, which causes irregular sleep patterns. The condition is best described as being a sleep disorder that leads to daytime sleepiness, especially when the patient is awake and awakened. A person suffering from sleep apnea suffers from repeated episodes of interrupted breathing or respiration.
Sleep apnea can happen at any age but is more common among those who are obese, have high blood pressure, diabetes, and hyperthyroidism. Other symptoms that may be present include headaches, fatigue, irritability, and mouth movements that are irregular.
In the milder case of apnea, there may be no symptoms at all. However, sleep apnea can cause hypnogogic hallucinations, which are disorienting dreams that occur during the REM stage of sleep, when one is really awake.
Sleep apnea is not a life-threatening condition, but it can lead to other more serious medical conditions. There are other health conditions that have been associated with sleep apnea, including osteoporosis, hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, obesity, and hypertension. And while the disorder may cause a person to feel tired at night, it does not have an immediate impact on their everyday functioning.
Sleep apnea can affect any person at any age but is most prevalent in middle-aged women and older men. For those who are overweight, sleep apnea can lead to hypertension. Those who have high blood pressure can also experience dry mouth, nausea, dizziness, excessive salivation, weight gain, and snoring.
Many people are surprised to learn that obesity may not be the only reason for sleep apnea. Besides obesity, people with asthma, heart conditions, and low blood pressure may also be at risk for having sleep apnea. Diabetes can also be a contributing factor.
If you think you are at risk for sleep apnea or have symptoms of sleep apnea, talk to your doctor about your concerns. Your doctor will perform a thorough physical exam and ask about your family history, your medical history, and your symptoms.
If you think you are at risk for sleep apnea, your doctor will perform a thorough physical exam and ask about your family history, your medical history, and your symptoms. They will check your blood pressure, your weight, and your heart and respiratory rates.
You can also take preventive measures to help you prevent the symptoms of sleep apnea, such as exercising, quitting smoking, and staying away from alcohol and drugs. You may also want to have a sleep study performed to determine if your sleeping posture is causing your acne.
You will likely undergo a physical exam to determine if you have high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, or obesity. You may also need to have a sleep study performed to determine if your sleeping posture is causing your acne.
If you are obese or have high blood pressure, you may also be at risk for sleep apnea. In many cases, a sleep study will not reveal the full extent of your apnea. You may still need a physician’s intervention, which could include the use of drugs to treat your depression, chronic pain, or anxiety.
