Do You Suffer From Sleep Apnea?
Do loved ones often comment about your loud and frequent snoring? Do you find yourself still tired after a full night’s sleep? Do you have difficulty falling asleep each night and wake often throughout the night? If any of these questions sound like a problem you experience, you may be suffering from a common sleep condition known as sleep apnea.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a serious condition in which individuals stop breathing multiple times throughout the night. It occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat relax during sleep, blocking the airway and restricting your breathing. Each time you stop breathing, due to lack of oxygen, your brain is alerted to the disruption, causing you to wake. Unfortunately, this condition, many times, remains undetected because people disregard their symptoms or don’t know who to contact with their concerns.
Signs of Sleep Apnea
Aside from snoring, there are many signs that can indicate a problem with sleep apnea. These signs include:
- Trouble breathing
- Fatigue
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Acid reflux
- Headaches in the morning
- Waking with a dry mouth
- Difficulty staying asleep
- Irritability and difficulty focusing
Importance of Treating Sleep Apnea
Quality sleep is necessary to function your best during the day. Sleep allows our bodies to recharge and reset for the next day. When proper sleep is not received, it can lead to the problems mentioned above. Lack of sleep can also delay your reaction time, which can cause an accident and impact your quality of work. Sleep apnea can also seriously impact your overall health, eventually leading to serious health issues such as:
- High blood pressure
- Weakened immune system
- Depression and anxiety
- Heart attacks and heart disease
- Hypertension and stroke
If you feel you or a loved one may be suffering from sleep apnea, we recommend calling our office located in Northridge, CA to schedule an appointment. Untreated sleep apnea can be dangerous for your overall health, so we suggest being proactive with your care. We look forward to seeing you soon!
