Sleep Apnea
Sleep Apnea is one of the most common sleep disorders, one that affects millions of Americans. A common sign of this sleep problem is loud snoring that often disrupts the sleeper. Typically, sleep apnea causes the sufferer to actually stop breathing during brief periods of the night, resulting in a breathing pattern that does not deliver an appropriate amount of oxygen to the body.
There are two common types of sleep apnea, obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea. The obstructive type is caused by an obstruction in the throat during sleep and results in breathing stoppages from 10 to 60 seconds in duration. Central sleep apnea is not caused by an obstruction, but rather a delay in the signal that instructs the brain to breathe.
Common symptoms of sleep apnea include:
• Awaking with headaches
• Awaking with a sense of suffocating or choking
• Awaking with a headache
• Sweating throughout the night
• Problems staying asleep
• Feeling unrested and tired throughout the day
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or your sleep partner is noticing a change in your sleep behavior that may suggest either type of sleep apnea, contact us today for a full screening. There are many effective treatment options available to get you on the right track to a good night’s sleep again.