Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing or shallow breaths during sleep. These pauses can last for several seconds to minutes and occur 30 times or more per hour. As a result, people with sleep apnea often feel exhausted during the day. Sleep apnea is a severe condition that can lead to heart problems, high blood pressure, and stroke. If you think you might have sleep apnea, see a specialist in sleep apnea in Houston, depending on your type of sleep apnea. Here is some information about sleep apnea you may find helpful.
Types of Sleep Apnea
There are three main types of sleep apnea. Central sleep apnea is the most common type and occurs when the brain fails to send the correct signals to the muscles that control breathing. It can be caused by health problems such as heart failure, stroke, and diabetes.
Obstructive sleep apnea is another common type of sleep apnea caused by a blockage of the airway. This can be due to obesity, smoking, enlarged tonsils, or adenoids.
Complex sleep apnea is a combination of both central and obstructive sleep apnea.
Causes and Risk Factors
There are several causes and risk factors for sleep apnea. Some of the most common causes include obesity, smoking, and enlarged tonsils or adenoids. Other risk factors include age, gender, family history, and use of certain medications.
You can reduce your risk of developing sleep apnea by avoiding the risk factors listed above. You can also improve your sleep hygiene by following these tips:
- Follow a regular sleep schedule
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed
- Keep a relaxed, comfortable environment in your bedroom
- Reserve the bed for sleep
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
If you think you might have sleep apnea, there are some common symptoms to look out for. These include snoring, choking or gasping during sleep, fatigue during the day, and problems staying asleep. You can also experience morning headaches, dry mouth, and a sore throat if you have sleep apnea.
Treatment for Sleep Apnea
If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, several treatment options are available. Treatment will depend on the type of sleep apnea you have. You can treat central sleep apnea with a CPAP machine, which delivers air pressure through a mask to keep the airway open. It is vital to use the CPAP machine every night to get the best results.
You can treat obstructive sleep apnea with several options, including surgery, weight loss, and dental appliances. You can treat complex sleep apnea with a combination of treatments.
You can also make some lifestyle adjustments to help deal with sleep apnea. Losing excess weight can help open up the airway by reducing the amount of fat around the neck. If you smoke, you can also manage sleep apnea symptoms by quitting. This allows for better airflow and can help to improve sleep apnea.
Other changes such as avoiding alcohol and drinking plenty of fluids can also help.
In summary, sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that can cause fatigue and other health problems. There are three main types of sleep apnea, and each type requires different treatment. You can reduce your risk for sleep apnea by avoiding the risk factors and following some simple tips for good sleep hygiene. If you think you might have sleep apnea, see a specialist today for treatment.
