What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that causes you to stop breathing during sleep. It’s important to understand the signs and symptoms and consult your doctor if you think you might have it. CPAP therapy can help you get the rest you need and take back control of your life.

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Do You Have Sleep Apnea?

Are You Struggling with an Undiagnosed Condition Affecting Your Sleep?

If you find yourself lacking energy and focus during the day, you might be one of the millions of people suffering from a common but often undiagnosed condition that affects sleep. This condition can be difficult to pinpoint, but if you frequently snore, you could be at risk. Read on to learn more about this condition and what you can do to address it.

How do I know if I have sleep apnea?

A sleep test performed by medical professionals is the best way to diagnose sleep apnea. The most common sign of sleep apnea is snoring. Depending on the type of sleep apnea you have, other symptoms can include:

  • Being told you stop breathing during sleep

  • Excessive daytime tiredness or fatigue

  • Morning headaches

  • Irritability and nervousness

  • Difficulty focusing

  • Waking up with a sore throat and dry mouth

  • High blood pressure

What is This Condition?

This condition, known as sleep apnea, is a sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep. These pauses can occur multiple times throughout the night. The most common type of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which occurs when the throat muscles relax and block the airway.

Did you know? Sleep apnea impacts more than 936 million people worldwide — nearly 10 times greater than previous estimates.

What Causes Sleep Apnea?

There are three main types of sleep apnea, but the most common is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). When we sleep, the throat relaxes. For people with OSA, sometimes they relax so much that the airway becomes narrowed or blocked. As a result, air flow is reduced or completely stops flowing into the upper airway and the lungs, so the body doesn’t get the oxygen it needs to function.

Benefits of Sleep Apnea Treatment and CPAP Therapy

Effective sleep apnea therapy, which includes the use of CPAP equipment, has been shown to help ease common symptoms and improve energy levels, productivity and overall mind-body wellness. It's important to remember that if left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to other serious health issues.

 

How Do I Get Started?

If you think you may have sleep apnea, we can help you with your equipment and supplies, but first you need to be tested and diagnosed.

See your doctor to discuss your sleep symptoms. They can order a sleep test, either at a sleep lab, or using a small kit in your own home. The sleep test will be evaluated by the test provider to establish your diagnosis. Your doctor can then send us your prescription for your CPAP equipment and supplies.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • There are three types of sleep apnea: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), central sleep apnea (CSA) and mixed sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea accounts for 84% of sleep apnea diagnoses. Consult your doctor to find out if you have sleep apnea.

  • A sleep test performed by medical professionals is the best way to diagnose sleep apnea. The most common sign of sleep apnea is snoring. Depending on the type of sleep apnea you have, other symptoms can include:

    - Being told you stop breathing during sleep
    - Excessive daytime tiredness or fatigue
    - Morning headaches
    - High blood pressure

  • It’s important to remember anyone can have sleep apnea – men, women and children. It is typically associated with:

    - A narrow throat airway
    - Overweight/obese
    - Family history of sleep apnea
    - Increasing age

  • Sleep apnea is very serious and can lead to short- and long-term health conditions if left untreated. These health conditions include:

    - High blood pressure
    - Heart disease
    - Type 2 diabetes
    - Hypertension
    - Stroke
    - Obesity/Overweight

    What’s more, people with untreated sleep apnea may lack the energy to enjoy all that life has to offer.

  • Yes. While many people who have sleep apnea are overweight, others are quite fit. The natural shape and structure of your airway (your nose and throat) plays a big role in your chance of developing sleep apnea.

  • Many things can make us tired. Sometimes we just need to practice good sleep habits. If you feel extra tired in the morning, even though you thought you got a good night’s sleep, then you may have a sleep disorder like sleep apnea. Any problems with your sleep should be discussed with your doctor.