Last Updated on March 7, 2023 by Hassan Abbas
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that involves your breathing stopping and restarting during sleep. Sleep apnea The Woodlands can affect the quality of your life, both personal and professional. Sleep is one of the most important needs in your body. You should see a physician if you struggle with a lack of sufficient sleep due to the effect of sleep apnea.
Table of Contents
Types of sleep apnea
Sleep apnea falls into two categories:
- Obstructive sleep apnea. As the name suggests, obstructive sleep apnea is caused by a narrow airway or a blockage of your respiratory airway. It is common in people with obesity.
- Central sleep apnea. Central sleep apnea is caused by a problem or dysfunction in the central nervous system and can occur in a person after a stroke. It usually occurs in people with health conditions like heart failure and lung and kidney diseases.
What increases your likelihood of getting sleep apnea?
- Obesity
- Family history
- Age
- Hormonal level changes
- Lifestyle habits
- Heart or kidney failure
Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of sleep apnea vary between children and adults. Children might be overactive, wet their beds, have their asthma worsen, and perform poorly in school. Adults will exhibit the following symptoms:
- Snoring
- Gasping during sleep
- Frequently waking up to urinate
- Daytime sleepiness
- Headaches
- Decreased libido
How does sleep apnea affect you?
Sleep apnea will affect your health, especially because your organs do not receive enough blood. The lack of oxygen can lead to a series of problems, affecting your quality of life. Insufficient sleep can cause a downward spiral of events.
Overall health
The effect of sleep apnea will increase your likelihood of getting diseases like asthma, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, and eye problems. You might experience organ damage due to inadequate blood supply to your organs like the kidney and heart. Your blood vessels might also suffer from the “stop and restart” breathing process.
Work and performance
If you don’t get quality sleep, you will have poor concentration at work or school. You interfere with your sleep pattern when you keep on waking up at night due to sleep apnea or use the bathroom. After you wake up, it might not be easy to go back to sleep. The lack of enough sleep will affect your concentration, memory, and ability to solve problems.
Quality of life
The fatigue after sleep apnea episodes will hinder your ability to perform physical duties. You will feel sleepy during the daytime because you did not sleep well during the night. You will find that you cannot exercise or walk for a reasonable distance without feeling exhausted.
Treatment
If you suffer from sleep apnea, you can access treatment to help you sleep better at night. Your physician will examine you, and depending on what causes your condition, they will advise on the course of action to take. Treatment includes:
- Lifestyle changes like maintaining a healthy weight
- Breathing devices
- Surgical procedures
Doctors recommend patients visit physicians immediately after they exhibit sleep apnea symptoms. The specialists at Scott Young, Purveyor of Fine Dentistry, can help you deal with sleep apnea. Call or book an appointment online and look forward to getting quality sleep.
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