Five Things Many People Don't Know About Sleep Apnea

Do you snore? Do you feel exhausted during the day, no matter how much sleep you get? Have you ever considered that you may be suffering from sleep apnea? Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that affects millions of people worldwide but sleep specialists are still learning more about this condition. In this blog post, we will discuss five things that many people don’t know about sleep apnea.

5 things many people are surprised to learn about sleep apnea are

• how common it is and how many people are impacted by it. Millions of Australians are diagnosed and treated for sleep apnea every year.
• that it’s a serious condition and can have significant impacts on your health if left untreated. Sleep apnea has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure.
• that there are different types of sleep apnea. The most common type is obstructive sleep apnea, which occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat relax and block the airway.
• that treatment for sleep apnea is available and can be effective. Common treatments include Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy, which uses a machine to deliver air pressure through a mask worn during sleep.
• it can affect people of any age and any gender. While middle-aged men are more likely to be diagnosed with sleep apnea, it can affect people of any age, including children.

What makes someone more susceptible to sleep apnea?

There are a number of different factors that can contribute to sleep apnea. Some of the most common risk factors include:

• being overweight or obese
• having a large neck circumference
• smoking
• drinking alcohol
• using certain medications or drugs

If you think you may be suffering from sleep apnea, the first step is to talk to your doctor or one of our sleep scientists. They’ll be able to conduct tests to determine if you have sleep apnea and then advise on what the best course of treatment is for you.

What are some common symptoms of sleep apnea?

The most common symptom of sleep apnea is loud snoring. However, not everyone who snores has sleep apnea. Other frequently reported symptoms include :

• daytime sleepiness or fatigue
• waking up gasping for air
• morning headaches
• trouble concentrating during the day
• irritability or mood changes

The most common treatment for sleep apnea is Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy. CPAP therapy involves wearing a mask over your nose and mouth while you sleep. The mask is connected to a machine that delivers controlled airflow to keep your airway open. Other treatments are also available and include lifestyle changes, mouthpieces, and possibly even surgery.

Unfortunately, some people neglect to realise how serious sleep apnea is and that left untreated it can lead to further health problems. Correct diagnosis and treatment are important and can really help improve your quality of life. So, if you or someone you know is struggling with fatigue, snoring, or other symptoms of sleep apnea, contact us on 1800 717 566 today for an evaluation.