Questions & Answers About Sleep Apnea

Posted on: 10 October 2019

Falling asleep after a long day is one of the things that many people look forward to, but it is unfortunately not always refreshing. For instance, it is possible for someone to get plenty of sleep, and yet he or she still wakes up feeling excessively tired. There are numerous things that can lead to someone not getting a fulfilling night of sleep, such as depression, poor physical health, or having a sleep disorder. A common disorder that people sometimes have without knowing is called sleep apnea, and it can be treated after a diagnosis has been made by a specialist. If you have an interest in learning more about sleep apnea in case it is the cause of your restless nights, continue reading this article.

What Happens During Sleep Apnea?

If you believe that you are suffering from sleep apnea, it is a serious condition that must be treated in a timely manner. The condition involves the inability to breathe in a normal manner. Basically, when someone has sleep apnea, his or her breathing can stop for an unsafe amount of time, and then suddenly begin again. Air does not properly circulate in and out of the lungs due to the abnormal breathing pattern. The condition can actually be fatal if left untreated for a long time.

How Can Sleep Apnea Be Detected?

There are several ways in which you can find out if you are suffering from sleep apnea, such as by paying attention to common symptoms and getting a proper diagnosis. Loud snoring is one of the most common symptoms that comes along with sleep apnea, and it can be to the extent of disturbing anyone who sleeps next to you. The issue that you are currently having of not feeling rested after waking up from sleep is also a symptom of the condition. Getting hooked up to nocturnal polysomnography equipment to monitor various aspects of your body is another way to detect and diagnose sleep apnea.

What is the Most Ideal Treatment?

There isn't one ideal way to treat sleep apnea, as it can affect people at different levels of severity. For instance, therapy and using a CPAP machine might be necessary for some people. However, a common form of treatment is to use a special oral appliance that can keep your throat open while you are sleeping. You can actually obtain one of the appliances by visiting your dentist and discussing your sleep apnea condition after it has been diagnosed.

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