What is sleep apnea (and why is it dangerous)?
Do you snore loudly every night? Are you inexplicably tired during the day? Do you suspect you have sleep apnea? If so, it's time to wake up. Sleep apnea isn't just a nuisance, it's a potentially serious disorder, that causes breathing to stop and start during sleep, sometimes hundreds of times a night per hour.
There are three types of sleep apnea:
- check_circleObstructive: By far the most common type, this occurs when the airway is repeatedly blocked during sleep, stopping or reducing airflow.
- check_circleCentral: The brain doesn't send signals to the muscles to keep breathing.
- check_circleComplex: A combination of the above.
Besides disrupted sleep and daytime sleepiness, sleep apnea reduces blood oxygenation, which causes a strain on your physical system. Left untreated, obstructive sleep apnea can contribute to serious health conditions, including:
- warningInflammation
- warningHigh blood pressure
- warningHeart disease
- warningStroke
- warningChronic kidney disease
- warningCancer
- warningCognitive and behavioral disorders, including dementia
Sleep apnea is a serious and unfortunately common condition—and you may not even know you have it. It's estimated that of the 22 million Americans who have sleep apnea, 80% of those with moderate and severe obstructive sleep apnea are undiagnosed.
Sleep Apnea FAQ
Are Snoring and Sleep Apnea Connected?expand_more
Snoring and sleep apnea both occur due to obstruction of the breathing airway at the level of the throat. Though not all snoring signals sleep apnea, severe, chronic snoring is one of the warning signs of sleep apnea, and the most common reason for sufferers to seek help.
Warning Signs of Sleep Apneaexpand_more
Chronic loud snoring and/or gasping for air is the most common reason people (or their partners) suspect sleep apnea. Other symptoms include daytime sleepiness, dry mouth or headache upon waking, decreased libido, attention and memory issues, waking up often to urinate, and irritability.
How is Sleep Apnea Diagnosed?expand_more
Dr. Kayem uses a four-pronged evaluation: Physical exam (some causes are anatomical), a history and evaluation of symptoms, a partner's observations, and a sleep study (in-lab or in-home).
California and Sleep Apneaexpand_more
There is new research that air pollution can exacerbate sleep apnea. Wildfire smoke, pollen and allergens can lead to more severe symptoms. If you live near a freeway, work outdoors, or live in an older home, consider lowering exposure to air pollution.