That Innocent Snoring May Not Be So Innocent
Do you lie awake at night listening to your loved one snore? Or do you wake in the morning after a full night’s sleep and still feel unrested? If so, you may be experiencing the effects of a common sleep condition. While we all know the importance of sleep, you may be surprised to learn about the negative effect it can have on both your daily life and your overall health. If left untreated, this condition can lead to serious health complications. Read on to learn about this sleep condition and why it should be treated.
What is Sleep Apnea?
If you find that you or a loved one are waking from a full night’s sleep and feel unrested, have learned that you are a loud and regular snorer, feel irritable, or are constantly exhausted throughout the day, there is a chance you are experiencing the effects of sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a condition that causes the soft tissues in the back of the throat to relax during sleep, obstructing the airway and limiting proper oxygen flow.
Who is at Risk?
Unfortunately, there are certain factors that make some patients more prone to sleep apnea than others. While sleep apnea can affect anyone, it is more prevalent in men over the age of 40. It is also commonly experienced in patients who are overweight. Many patients who begin to lose weight start to see an improvement in their sleep apnea symptoms. Other risk factors that can lead to the development of sleep apnea include:
- Larger than average size tonsils, tongue or adenoids
- Family history of sleep apnea
- Cold, allergies, or sinus infection that is causing congestion
- Large neck circumference
What is the Importance of Treatment?
If you suffer from sleep apnea and delay or ignore the recommendation for treatment, it can be detrimental to your overall health. Sleep is an important part of our health, and is needed to restore our energy to properly function on a day to day basis. When sleep apnea is left untreated it can lead to problems such as:
- Accidents or safety issues caused by exhaustion
- Depression and anxiety
- Heart attacks and heart disease
- Hypertension and stroke
If you feel that you or a loved one may be experiencing sleep apnea symptoms, be sure to contact our office to schedule an appointment. Drs. Holsinger and Higgins have completed extensive training to properly diagnose and treat this common condition. We want to help you get the sleep you deserve!
