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What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep Apnea is a common yet often undiagnosed sleep disorder that affects millions of people in the United States. If you feel fatigued during the day, experience loud snoring, or wake up frequently throughout the night, you could be suffering from Sleep Apnea.


In this blog post, we'll answer the question, "What is Sleep Apnea?", provide symptoms to look out for, and explore how Sleep Centers of North Alabama can help you find a solution.


What is Sleep Apnea?


With Sleep Apnea, your airway becomes blocked while sleeping, causing you to stop breathing multiple times throughout the night. These breathing interruptions can last anywhere from a few seconds to minutes at a time, usually occurring multiple times per hour.


The most common type of sleep apnea is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), which is caused by the muscles at the back of your throat relaxing too much. This type of Sleep Apnea becomes more common with age and is seen more frequently in men and those who are overweight.


According to the NCOA, around 39 million adults living in the United States have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea


There are several symptoms that could indicate you have Sleep Apnea. Key signs to look out for include loud snoring, excessive daytime fatigue, choking or gasping for air, morning headaches, and difficult staying asleep.


  1. Loud Snoring: Snoring is one of the most common signs of Obstructive Sleep Apnea. While snoring doesn't always indicate Sleep Apnea, loud and frequent snoring accompanied by pauses in breathing could indicate a more serious problem.

  2. Excessive Daytime Fatigue: Sleep Apnea can significantly disrupt your sleep cycle, often leading to fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating throughout the day.

  3. Choking or Gasping for Air: If you wake up suddenly gasping for air or feel like you're choking, it could be a sign of Sleep Apnea.

  4. Morning Headaches: People with Sleep Apnea often experience morning headaches due to a lack of oxygen during the night.

  5. Difficult Staying Asleep (Insomnia): Frequently waking up during the night is common indicator of sleep disorders.


If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to seek a professional evaluation from a sleep specialist.


Complications of Sleep Apnea


When left untreated, Sleep Apnea can lead to a range of health complications, including:


  1. High Blood Pressure: Poor sleep quality can contribute to high blood pressure, which increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.

  2. Heart Disease: The oxygen deprivation caused by sleep apnea can stress the heart and increase the likelihood of heart-related conditions.

  3. Diabetes: Sleep apnea is linked to insulin resistance, which can increase your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

  4. Weight Gain: Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to hormonal imbalances that contribute to weight gain and difficult losing weight.

  5. Mental Health Issues: Ongoing fatigue and poor sleep quality can worsen anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions.


Treatment for Sleep Apnea

What is Sleep Apnea?

At Sleep Centers of North Alabama, we offer comprehensive diagnostic services to identify and treat Sleep Apnea and other sleep disorders.


CPAP Therapy (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) is the most common treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea. A CPAP machine uses a mask to deliver a constant stream of air, keeping your airway open while you sleep.


For mild to moderate cases of Sleep Apnea, oral appliances can also be used to reposition the jaw and keep the airway open. We even offer alternative options like Inspire® therapy for those who struggle with CPAP.


Our team doesn't just diagnose and treat your condition—we offer continuous support to ensure you get the best results. We'll monitor your progress and make adjustments as needed, so that you continue to get the best sleep possible.


Ready to put your sleep health first? Schedule an appointment with Sleep Centers of North Alabama to get started.

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