Dearborn Michigan Press and Guide
It is 3 a.m. The sun has not dared peak out over the horizon, and your spouse has once again been awakened by the deep drum of your snoring. Sound familiar? Multiple intervals of involuntary breathing cessation during sleep have become a common and serious sleep disorder among Americans today, called Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). This form of sleep apnea is caused by a blockage of the airway, usually when the soft tissue in the rear of the throat collapses and closes during sleep. According to John H. Morrison, Jr., D.O., approximately one out of three men and one in five women are affected by sleep apnea.
“Sleep apnea results when the body is forced to pick between breathing and sleeping. Because the body always picks breathing, sleep is interrupted, resulting in a poor quality of sleep, which negatively impacts the health of other body systems,” stated Morrison.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea can occur in all ages, even children, and is usually found more often in males than females, in individuals who are overweight, and those who have thicker necks.
Although the symptoms of sleep apnea are often similar to other sleep disorders, apnea-specific symptoms are distinct when compared to other disorders.
“Often, individuals schedule a consultation with me because their spouse complains,” explained Morrison. “Often, those suffering from sleep apnea snore, hold their breath during sleep, gasp and choke during sleep, and have a marked decrease in daytime productivity.”
While sleep apnea can affect daily life and essential functioning it can also harm important internal functions. Morning headaches, daytime sleepiness, slight memory loss, difficulty focusing and decreased sex drive are other common symptoms
“There is a strong association between obstructive sleep apnea and high blood pressure, and some association with heart failure, stroke and ischemic heart disease,” revealed Morrison. “In these cases it may not be fair to say it causes these diseases, but it does exacerbate the symptoms of cardiovascular disease resulting in more serious conditions.”
Other conditions affected by sleep apnea include atrial fibrillation, diabetes control and congestive heart failure. Because many physician referrals of patients regarding sleep studies are from cardiologists, more health care practitioners are recognizing a correlation between peaceful sleep and heart wellness.
Treatment Options
Several options exist in the treatment of sleep apnea depending on the severity of your condition. A sleep physician will assess and discuss the various treatment options available, which range from weight loss to surgery. Losing weight often helps alleviate sleep apnea symptoms. A special mouthpiece produced by a dentist may also be effective.
The most effective treatment for sleep apnea, with a success rate of 80 percent, is air pressure therapy. During sleep, a small mask connected to an air pump is worn. This machine encourages patients to breathe more easily during sleep by increasing air pressure in the throat, preventing airway collapse when breathing in.
“Sleep apnea results when the body is forced to pick between breathing and sleeping. Because the body always picks breathing, sleep is interrupted, resulting in a poor quality of sleep, which negatively impacts the health of other body systems,” stated Morrison.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea can occur in all ages, even children, and is usually found more often in males than females, in individuals who are overweight, and those who have thicker necks.
Although the symptoms of sleep apnea are often similar to other sleep disorders, apnea-specific symptoms are distinct when compared to other disorders.
“Often, individuals schedule a consultation with me because their spouse complains,” explained Morrison. “Often, those suffering from sleep apnea snore, hold their breath during sleep, gasp and choke during sleep, and have a marked decrease in daytime productivity.”
While sleep apnea can affect daily life and essential functioning it can also harm important internal functions. Morning headaches, daytime sleepiness, slight memory loss, difficulty focusing and decreased sex drive are other common symptoms
“There is a strong association between obstructive sleep apnea and high blood pressure, and some association with heart failure, stroke and ischemic heart disease,” revealed Morrison. “In these cases it may not be fair to say it causes these diseases, but it does exacerbate the symptoms of cardiovascular disease resulting in more serious conditions.”
Other conditions affected by sleep apnea include atrial fibrillation, diabetes control and congestive heart failure. Because many physician referrals of patients regarding sleep studies are from cardiologists, more health care practitioners are recognizing a correlation between peaceful sleep and heart wellness.
Treatment Options
Several options exist in the treatment of sleep apnea depending on the severity of your condition. A sleep physician will assess and discuss the various treatment options available, which range from weight loss to surgery. Losing weight often helps alleviate sleep apnea symptoms. A special mouthpiece produced by a dentist may also be effective.
The most effective treatment for sleep apnea, with a success rate of 80 percent, is air pressure therapy. During sleep, a small mask connected to an air pump is worn. This machine encourages patients to breathe more easily during sleep by increasing air pressure in the throat, preventing airway collapse when breathing in.
Dearborn treatment of sleep apnea is critical in improving not only the quality of life but reducing the chances of accruing other serious health conditions. When sleep apnea is treated, the symptoms associated with heart problems improve, as well.
“Uncontrolled sleep apnea can be a host to other major health complications such as heart attacks. The chance of a heart attack occurring within an individual with untreated sleep apnea is equal to that person smoking one pack of cigarettes a day,” states Morrison.
Accidents at work and at home resulting from poor sleep also become more common. The best way to address sleep issues is to schedule a consultation with a Dearborn sleep specialist.
Morrison added, “A quick assessment from a sleep disorders specialist is one of the best investments you can make if you believe you have a sleep disorder. You will feel healthier, live longer, and be grateful for making the decision to improve your life.”
Individuals who believe they or their spouses have a sleep disorder should contact a Dearborn sleep disorders center.
“Uncontrolled sleep apnea can be a host to other major health complications such as heart attacks. The chance of a heart attack occurring within an individual with untreated sleep apnea is equal to that person smoking one pack of cigarettes a day,” states Morrison.
Accidents at work and at home resulting from poor sleep also become more common. The best way to address sleep issues is to schedule a consultation with a Dearborn sleep specialist.
Morrison added, “A quick assessment from a sleep disorders specialist is one of the best investments you can make if you believe you have a sleep disorder. You will feel healthier, live longer, and be grateful for making the decision to improve your life.”
Individuals who believe they or their spouses have a sleep disorder should contact a Dearborn sleep disorders center.
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