By Family Features| Contributor
Frequent snoring at night. Sudden gasping for breath while asleep. Waking up feeling fatigued despite a full night’s slumber. These could indicate more than just a restless night—they might be signs of obstructive sleep apnea.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a significant disorder marked by repeated airway obstructions during sleep. Surprisingly, many individuals suffering from sleep apnea remain unaware of their condition—research shows that approximately 80% of those affected in the United States have not been diagnosed, as highlighted in the “American Journal of Epidemiology”.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) advises that adults should aim for a minimum of seven hours of uninterrupted sleep each night. For individuals with untreated sleep apnea, achieving restful, uninterrupted sleep is often challenging. The airway’s frequent obstruction leads to brief awakenings, sometimes resulting in snoring or gasping as the body attempts to clear the blockage.
If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to serious long-term health issues, including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes, and mental health conditions such as depression. It can significantly impact overall life quality, resulting in mood disturbances, decreased productivity at work, difficulties with focus and decision-making, and a heightened risk of drowsy driving accidents.
This condition can also take a toll on family dynamics; the disrupted sleep patterns and snoring associated with sleep apnea can affect others in the household, influence your interactions with them, and hinder your decision-making abilities. Here are some additional insights from the Count on Sleep initiative, a joint awareness campaign by the AASM.
Common indicators of OSA include:
- Snoring or noisy breathing during sleep
- Pauses in breathing while asleep
- Awakening with a gasp or choking sensation
- Restless sleep or waking up feeling groggy
- Insomnia troubles
- Frequent nighttime awakenings to urinate
- Mornings marked by headaches
- Excessive daytime sleepiness or falling asleep unexpectedly
- Difficulties with focus or memory
- Changes in mood or increased irritability
- Driving while drowsy
Factors that may elevate the risk of developing OSA include:
- Overweight or obesity (BMI over 30)
- Hypertension
- Neck circumference exceeding 17 inches in men or 16 inches in women
- Coroanry artery disease or a history of heart attacks
- Presence of atrial fibrillation or other cardiac arrhythmias
- Congestive heart failure
- Type 2 diabetes
- History of stroke
- Persistent daytime drowsiness
If you suspect you might have sleep apnea, it’s important to discuss your symptoms, potential risk factors, and concerns with your healthcare provider. Encourage friends or loved ones showing these signs to seek medical advice as well.
Your healthcare professional may recommend a screening or testing for sleep apnea, which could involve either an at-home examination or a study at a certified sleep clinic. Treatment options vary and can include CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) therapy, oral devices, surgical intervention, or lifestyle modifications.
To learn more about the health implications of sleep apnea and to take a brief quiz to assess your risk, visit countonsleep.org.
Image courtesy of Shutterstock
Editor’s Note: This information does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and is not intended as medical or professional guidance.
