Sleep Apnea

Are you feeling tired even though you’re getting a full nights rest? Does your partner complain about your snoring? If so, you may be a sufferer of sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is not something to simply brush off. It is a serious condition that should always be dealt with. There are 3 different types of sleep apnea:
1. Obstructive sleep apnea- the most common. This occurs when the soft tissue in your throat relaxes and blocks your airway causing loud snoring 
2. Central Sleep Apnea: This is a less common type. It occurs when the brain fails to signal the muscles that control your breathing. People with Central Sleep Apnea seldom snore
3. Complex Sleep Apnea: A combination of Obstructive and Central Sleep Apnea.

Anyone can have sleep apnea, however there are certain health factors that will increase your chances of getting it:
1. Overweight 
2. Being a smoker
3. Male
4. Over 65 
5. History of sleep apnea in your family and
6. Being black, Hispanic or a Pacific Islander.

There are different degrees of treatment for sleep apnea. Easy ways to avoid sleep apnea would be to lose weight, stop smoking, and avoid alcohol. You can also try sleeping on your side or prop your head up with an extra pillow, this will keep your airway open. If your sleep apnea is moderate to severe, seek treatment. A specialist may recommend several different treatments: Continuous Positive Airflow Pressure (CPAP) machine, dental devices such as the mandibular repositioning device and the tongue retaining device, and surgery.

If you think you may have sleep apnea there are a couple ways to get tested:

1. Visit a local sleep clinic and make arrangements for an overnight stay or
2. Seek help from a sleep specialist.