Know signs of sleep apnea
If you’re still tired after getting a full night’s rest, you may be experiencing a sleep disorder, such as sleep apnea.
According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, more than 12 million Americans have sleep apnea. Dr. Fidaa Shaib, associate professor of pulmonary, critical care and sleep medicine at Baylor College of Med
icine and director of the Baylor Sleep Center, says many of those with sleep apnea are unaware they have it.
“Sleep apnea is caused by a narrowing or complete collapse of the upper airway that occurs in some people while they are sleeping, and this can affect one’s ability to get oxygen to the body, making the body work harder to breathe.”
Signs and symptoms of sleep apnea
Knowing the signs and symptoms of sleep apnea and subsequently getting it treated can lower your risk of ailments such as heart attack, high blood pressure and stroke. You should seek help if you or your partner is experiencing the following symptoms:
- Choking or gasping for air
- Breathing stoppages
- Loud snoring
- Feeling tired throughout the day
- Restless sleep
- Excessive sweating at night
- Not feeling refreshed in the morning
- Waking up multiple times during the night
Over 50 percent of those diagnosed with sleep apnea are overweight or obese. Dr. Shaib says lifestyle changes and weight loss are important to the treatment and management of sleep apnea.
Additional Resources
To make an appointment with a Baylor sleep specialist, call (713) 798-3300 or request an appointment online.
I think it’s important to note that even if ‘Over 50 percent of those diagnosed with sleep apnea are overweight or obese’, that still leaves a massive number of people for whom there is no lifestyle / dietary change that will easily help with their sleep apnea, so they must look for real solutions.
I didn’t know that treating sleep apnea can lower risk of heart attacks, blood pressure, and strokes. My mother has sleep apnea and has been looking to get treatment but I don’t know if she has yet. I’ll have to check in with her and make sure she knows how important it is to get treatment.
Thanks for sharing this wonderful post about Sleep apnea! It was very interesting and I really enjoyed reading it..