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I think I have sleep apnea, now what?
wp:paragraph For many people, a sleep apnea diagnosis, or even the possibility of having sleep apnea without a proper diagnosis can feel overwhelming and scary. It is important to know that this is a condition that is very treatable and can put you on track to getting a good night’s sleep again. Not treating a possible sleep apnea diagnosis can lead to many serious health problems. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph When to see a doctor; /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Some of the symptoms, such as loud snoring, insomnia, and waking up with a dry mouth or headache in the morning can be an occasional occurrence, however if this is something that is happening very consistently and affects how you function in the daytime, then it is time to make an appointment with your doctor. Also, if you are having episodes in which you stop breathing during sleep, this can be very serious and needs to be addressed by a medical professional. Too often, sleep apnea patients have no idea this is happening and it is another person (such as your spouse) that is observing this. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph How to treat sleep apnea; /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Most mild cases of sleep apnea can be treated with lifestyle changes such as loosing weight or quitting smoking. Everyday allergies can also cause mild forms of sleep apnea, in which an allergy treatment will address it. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph For those with moderate to severe sleep apnea, your doctor may recommend a therapy called Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP). This is a mask that is worn overnight and is designed to deliver air pressure that will keep the passages of your airway open throughout the night, and will address any breathing episodes you may have while sleeping. The CPAP machine may seem overwhelming at first, but this has proven to be an extremely effective option for those who suffer from more severe forms of sleep apnea. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph There are lots of different types of masks, machines and accessories out there, and you will need to find the one that is the best fit for you. Your doctor will have the best advice on this, or will be able to recommend you to a specialist who can answer any questions you have about the CPAP machine and how it works. There are also tons of options available on CPAP Machines - PAPSmart Canada, including masks, machines and other supplies and accessories. /wp:paragraph
Learn moreSnoring vs. Sleep Apnea
wp:paragraph Most of us have all encountered someone who has snored, and maybe you are a snorer yourself. Although snoring can ruin the occasional night’s sleep, it can also be indicative of a more serious issue: sleep apnea. So what is the difference between snoring and sleep apnea? /wp:paragraph wp:image {"align":"center","id":3762,"sizeSlug":"large"} /wp:image wp:paragraph Snoring is typically caused when tissues flap against each other in your throat and airways. This vibration causes that familiar night time noise. Simple snoring is generally considered benign, except possibly to others in close proximity to the snorer. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Sleep apnea is a partial or complete blockage of a person’s airways while they are sleeping. This causes their breathing to stop frequently during what should be a sweet slumber. Over time, this constantly interrupted sleep can be a factor in severe fatigue, depression, diabetes, and even stroke. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Considering that snoring is a symptom of sleep apnea, how do you know which one you suffer from? In addition to snoring, those with sleep apnea may notice other symptoms, including: /wp:paragraph wp:list Extreme fatigue even after you just woke up Lack of energy Intense irritability Headaches, especially in the morning /wp:list wp:paragraph How do you know if you suffer from sleep apnea or are just a snorer? There is no way for the person themselves to know. Scheduling an appointment with your doctor is the best way to determine an accurate diagnosis. Your doctor will discuss your symptoms, and if you could have sleep apnea, probably will send you to a sleep specialist. You will need to spend a night at a sleep clinic to monitor your sleep habits, and from there, will determine if you do, in fact, have sleep apnea. If so, you will likely be prescribed a CPAP machine, which will help keep your airways open while you sleep. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Snoring is not necessarily just an aggravating noise. It can signify more serious health issues that need to be addressed. Check with your doctor, and take control of your sleep and your health. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Download the FREE Beginners Guide to Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea. /wp:paragraph
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When Snoring Gets Serious.
wp:paragraph It doesn’t take long for regular old snoring to become quite annoying, particularly for someone who has to listen to it while trying to sleep. However, it is possible that that annoying snoring is actually indicative of a more serious health issue, which can be life-threatening. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph One such condition is sleep apnea. It can cause someone to experience pauses in their sleep repeatedly through the night. You could wake up, gasping for air. This can occur when the weight of your neck and upper chest restricts the flow of air through your airways. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph There are some basic and obvious signs that you may have sleep apnea. Snoring, feeling fatigued even after waking up, and constant irritability are some common symptoms. But there are other, more serious, symptoms that you should not ignore. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph For example, did you know that untreated sleep apnea can lead to high blood pressure? When your breathing stops throughout the night, the walls of your blood vessels can get damaged. This reduces the ability for your body to regulate your blood pressure. Over time, this can cause a ripple effect for other, more severe issues, such as extreme sleep deprivation, obesity, stroke, and heart disease. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph These are some serious health risks of sleep apnea that you cannot ignore. But there is treatment you can get to minimize these serious health consequences. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph In addition to losing weight, and limiting caffeine and alcohol intake, you can also get a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine. Using a mask that fits over your face and a tube, the machine sends a gentle pressure of air to keep your airways open while you sleep. You will get more oxygen to your body, get a better sleep, and slow down any serious side effects of many poor nights’ sleep. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph If you believe you could have a sleep disorder, make an appointment with your doctor right away. Take care of yourself, both while awake and asleep. It’s worth it. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Download the FREE Beginners Guide to Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea. /wp:paragraph
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The Health Risks of Snoring
wp:paragraph It happens to many of us: we snore. Often, it is purely situational, due to nasal congestion or sleeping in a wrong position. But consistent snoring can, over time, affect the quality of your sleep to the detriment of your health. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph What causes snoring? Simply, you will snore when the air you breathe through your nose or mouth is physically blocked in some way. Sleep apnea is one common condition that causes snoring, which causes you to have frequent interruptions of stopped breathing while you sleep. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph If you are a habitual snoring due to sleep apnea or other issues, you are at risk for a number of health problems, including: /wp:paragraph wp:list Poor sleep: With snoring or sleep apnea, the quality of your sleep is affected, either by interrupted sleep or only light sleeping. Chronic daytime fatigue and irritability: Poor sleeps will cause havoc with your wakeful times too. You may be irritable and tired all the time. This can lead to lack of focus for daily tasks, especially ones where you need to focus – like driving. Obesity: When you have a poor sleep, you have no energy during the day. And that, along with other related factors, will affect your desire to exercise, as well as your body’s metabolism. This can lead to obesity and its associated issues. Frequent headaches: When your body doesn’t get enough of a chance to recharge, it may signal that lack through frequent headaches. High blood pressure: Sleep apnea can be a cause of lower oxygen levels in your blood. This can be a factor in constricted blood vessels, which is a cause of higher blood pressure. Heart issues: That higher blood pressure can cause your heart to become enlarged. This leads to a higher risk of both heart attack and stroke. /wp:list wp:paragraph Snoring can be quite annoying, but if ignored, that snoring can lead to serious health issues. Make an appointment with your doctor to determine the cause of your snoring, and stop any side effects before they can take hold. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Download the FREE Beginners Guide to Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea. /wp:paragraph
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Sleep, Snoring and Sleep Apnea
wp:paragraph Are you one of those people who snore? If so, you are not alone. But do you know if your snoring is simply a factor of noisy sleeping, or whether it is due to a serious condition call obstructive sleep apnea? How can you tell the difference? /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Your run-of-the-mill snoring can be caused by a variety of issues, including weaker muscles in your tongue and throat, obstructed nasal airways, and being overweight. Sometimes simple measures, such as losing weight, exercising, and drinking less alcohol, can fix the problem. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph On the other hand, obstructive sleep apnea can be quite serious. People who suffer from this condition will move in and out of deep sleep many times at night because their airways temporarily become blocked, which greatly reduces the quality of sleep. Aside from disturbing your sleep, if left untreated, you are at greater risk for certain health issues, such as increased blood pressure, stroke, and heart attack. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph But there are ways to remedy obstructive sleep apnea, and one of those strategies is with a CPAP machine. This device connects a tube from the machine to a mask that fits over your mouth and/or nose. Air is blown through the tube into your always to keep a steady and continuous flow of air. This keeps your airways open, which allows for normal breathing during sleep. Although it may take some getting used to, a CPAP machine can signal the end to snoring and the start of better sleeps. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Keeping yourself healthy is a great way to continue to enjoy life. And if you snore, regardless of the reason, make sure you consult your doctor. They can properly diagnose your issue and find the right solution for your specific situation. And that means you – and your partner – will get a better sleep. /wp:paragraph
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Sleep apnea and alcohol
wp:paragraph Many of you may enjoy relaxing with an alcoholic beverage at the end of a long day. Just like many of you may enjoy going to occasions and gatherings where there is an abundance of alcoholic beverages present. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph It’s something that’s naturally a part of our lives, but have you ever thought about how this could affect your sleep apnea? /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Many of you may have experienced a terrible night’s sleep after drinking too much. Having too much to drink before bedtime can lead to many symptoms such as insomnia, snoring, headaches and nightmares. And let’s not forget the negative “morning after” effects of too much alcohol, combined with a poor night’s sleep, including fatigue, nausea, drowsiness and more. So it is really worth it? /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Alcohol and sleep apnea have a very strong link to each other as alcohol can affect your sleep routines in a negative way. Successful sleep apnea treatment and CPAP therapy rely heavily on routine. Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day is crucial, as is getting a consistent amount of sleep every day. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph It’s one thing to have one or two drinks early in the evening (such as a glass of wine with dinner), but having too much more than that can be harmful to your sleep cycle. And while drinking too much may make you feel more tired come bedtime, it can cause insomnia and more frequent episodes of snoring and breathing problems as you sleep. Alcohol has also been known to cause your breathing to become more slow and shallow and relax your airway too much, which could worsen your sleep apnea symptoms. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph For this reason, sleep apnea patients are best to avoid any alcohol a few hours before bedtime. If you do slip up and are thrown off your sleep routine for one night, it is very important to get right back on track the next day. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph All in all, it is not worth it to throw away one night of valuable CPAP therapy over a few too many drinks. Be sure to plan carefully when out at a party or a gathering and know what your limit is and when to say no. /wp:paragraph
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OSA and CSA: do you know the difference?
wp:paragraph We all know by now that the general definition of sleep apnea is when you stop breathing while you sleep. But did you know that sleep apnea actually comes in two different forms? /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph The two main types of sleep apnea are called Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Central Sleep Apnea (CSA). While they are both forms of sleep apnea, the cause for the pause in breathing is actually different, and they each have different characteristics associated with them. /wp:paragraph wp:list Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), the most common form of sleep apnea, occurs when your airway gets blocked, either completely or partially, causing you to stop breathing. When breathing resumes, there is often a loud gasp or snort, which can interfere with a deep sleep. It is often overweight, middle-aged men who get sleep apnea, especially this type. The CPAP machine, in addition to other lifestyle changes, is the best form of treatment for OSA. Central Sleep Apnea (CSA) occurs when your brain doesn’t send the proper signals to the muscles that control your breathing. This is different from OSA as there is not a blockage in the airway, but a neurological issue that causes you to stop breathing in your sleep. CSA is often brought on by other medical conditions and it is less common than OSA. /wp:list wp:paragraph The main difference is that with OSA, the effort is made to try and inhale as you stop breathing, yet no air can get into the lungs. With CSA, no effort is made at all by the body to restart your breathing. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Experts also acknowledge that it is not uncommon to have both forms of sleep apnea. So this is why it is important to seek help from your doctor if you think you have either form of sleep apnea. /wp:paragraph
Learn moreEvolution of Snoring Treatments
wp:paragraph Snoring, or “sleep disordered breathing,” can be quite a nuisance to many people. Many couples end up sleeping in separate rooms, or even splitting up as a result of loud snoring. But the good news is that there are many ways, nowadays, to treat nighttime snoring. Flash back to 30 years ago, and the treatment for snoring was, well, not much at all. /wp:paragraph wp:image {"id":3595,"sizeSlug":"large"} /wp:image wp:paragraph It’s important to remember that just because you snore at night doesn’t mean that you are always going to be a snorer. There are ways to treat it. Medical research has also come a long way in figuring out what causes snoring in the first place. People often assume that they have sleep apnea if they snore, but this is not always the case. Other factors, such as stress, drugs, alcohol or even a common cold can cause you to sound like a bulldozer at night. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph The most common sleep apnea treatment, CPAP, first came into effect in the 1980’s. This is what a lot of snoring problems end up coming back to. The treatment for sleep apnea is generally a CPAP, or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure mask. This helps to open your airway and keep you breathing all night when you sleep. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph If your doctor has done the tests and has rules out sleep apnea, they may recommend other treatments to prevent the snoring. Needless to say, if your snoring is caused by a lifestyle factor, then eliminating or changing that factor would be the ideal prevention. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph If your snoring is something that is recurring, then it’s time to see a doctor and see if anything can be done for you. And be glad that there are ways to solve this! Treating your snoring problem can help you live a happy and productive life and save your relationship too! /wp:paragraph
Learn moreIs it sleep apnea?
wp:paragraph When you hear from your partner that you have a snoring problem, it’s easy to think the worst. I have sleep apnea, I’ll have to wear that big ugly mask, my partner will never sleep with me again etc. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph However, snoring is just one symptom of sleep apnea, and just because you are a snorer does not automatically mean that you have sleep apnea. Close to 90 million Americans have night time snoring, but sleep apnea actually only affects about half of those people, according to the American Sleep Apnea Association. /wp:paragraph wp:image {"id":3580,"sizeSlug":"large"} /wp:image wp:paragraph If you want the snoring to stop for the sake of both you and your partner, it is important to have an idea of whether your noise at night is just noise, or if it is something more serious. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Here are some factors that may determine whether or not you are at risk for sleep apnea: /wp:paragraph wp:list If you are choking or gasping for air in your sleep If you wake up feeling tired, and feel tired throughout the day If you feel restlessness at night If you are obese, middle-aged and/or male /wp:list wp:paragraph Whether or not you exert any of these symptoms, it does not hurt to make an appointment with your doctor. If you are not a likely candidate for sleep apnea, your doctor can help you to figure out if there is anything that can be done to curb your snoring at night, even if it’s just for the sake of your partner’s sanity. Even a lifestyle change like losing a little weight can go a long way. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph If you are a likely candidate for sleep apnea, don’t fret. It is not the end of the world if you do have this condition. There are many options for treatment available that can give you an infinitely better quality of life and leave you feeling more rested and energised throughout the day. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Shop at Papsmart.com - The #1 Online CPAP Store. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph http://www.sleepapnea.org/is-it-snoring-or-sleep-apnea.html /wp:paragraph
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