You know sleep is important. You know breathing is important. If you’re having problems with either one, you need to do something about it!
Sleep Therapy
Here are some things that you might not know:
- Snoring is not normal and has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Studies show that snoring means you’re highly likely to have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), but you don’t have to snore to have OSA.
- Headaches and sleep problems go hand in hand. The relationship between the two is complex, but if you are waking up with a headache most mornings, it could be a sign of sleep-disordered breathing or OSA.
- Research from the Mayo Clinic revealed that 91% of 942 patients whose insomnia was not resolved with drug therapy had OSA.
- Untreated OSA has been linked to serious chronic and fatal diseases, like cancer, heart attack, stroke, diabetes, depression, and obesity.
Quality Matters When it Comes to Sleep
People with a sleep disorder like OSA think they’re getting a full night’s sleep when, in reality, they’re waking up dozens of times. They’re usually unaware because they go immediately back to sleep each time. Because of the constant interruptions in their sleep, people suffering from OSA often feel groggy or sluggish for hours after waking. They have trouble staying awake during the day, so they’re less productive at work and in other areas of their lives. Poor sleep can also lead to household and traffic accidents. It can affect your mood too, making you irritable, anxious, and depressed.
Your brain and body recharge while you’re asleep, so you need quality sleep to stay physically and mentally healthy. If you get good quality sleep each night, you should have plenty of energy to do the things you need to do and the things you enjoy.
Curious about your sleep health?
TAKE OUR 20-SECOND SLEEP ASSESSMENT!
Fill out the form below, and one of our team members will reach out to you ASAP to discuss your results.
FAQ about Sleep-Disordered Breathing and OSA
What is Sleep-Disordered Breathing?
Any abnormal and difficult breathing during sleep, including snoring and obstructive sleep apnea, is considered disordered.
What are the consequences of sleep-disordered breathing?
Minor sleep-related breathing problems may not be very harmful to your health. More severe issues, like OSA, can have serious health consequences.
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
A person with OSA stops breathing during sleep because their airway becomes obstructed. They wake up very briefly to resume breathing and go back to sleep almost immediately. This can happen over a hundred times a night, and the person is completely unaware.
What are the signs of OSA?
The most common signs of OSA are:
- Loud snoring
- Waking up frequently during sleep
- Gasping for air/coughing/choking during sleep
- Feeling sleepy even after 7-8 hours of sleep
Is OSA Dangerous?
YES! OSA elevates your risk for a number of serious problems, including depression, anxiety, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and sudden death.
What can I do if I think I have OSA or my partner has it?
Request a sleep study. During a sleep study, a device records data while you sleep, including your heart rate, breathing rate, blood oxygen level, and the number of times you wake up. From there, a sleep medicine specialist can recommend a treatment plan.
Are sleep disorders treatable?
YES! There are lots of treatment options available for people suffering from OSA or other sleep problems, including CPAP and oral appliances. Your sleep medicine specialist will help you understand the best option for your needs and lifestyle.
