Could this common sleep disorder cause your sleep disturbances?
While many Americans deal with sleep problems during their lifetime, when we talk about sleep apnea, we aren’t talking about the usual tossing and turning that can often occur. Sleep apnea is a potentially severe and chronic sleep disorder that causes a person to stop breathing for several seconds throughout the night. From the office of the Columbia, SC, sleep doctors of Bogan Sleep Consultants, find out the common symptoms associated with sleep apnea and why this condition needs to be treated.
What are the signs and symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)?
- Loud snoring
- Gasping for air during the night
- Pauses in breath (a symptom your partner may notice while you are sleeping)
- Frequent headaches in the morning
- Waking up exhausted
- Excessive daytime fatigue
- Increased irritability
- Lack of focus and concentration
- Memory loss
Many people with sleep apnea don’t even know they have it; however, if you find yourself nodding off throughout the day and never wake up feeling refreshed, you could very well be dealing with sleep apnea. This is an excellent time to see our Columbia, SC, sleep specialist.
Why does sleep apnea need to be treated?
Anything that negatively impacts your sleep is a serious problem. You need proper rest for your health and wellbeing, and if there is a way to get more restorative sleep, why wouldn’t you do it?
Plus, untreated sleep apnea has been linked to various serious and chronic health problems. Those with sleep apnea are at an increased risk for heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, etc. We can also reduce these health risks by getting sleep apnea under control.
How is sleep apnea treated?
Our Columbia, SC sleep doctors will recommend CPAP therapy to manage your sleep apnea symptoms to ensure quality sleep and reduce your risk for these chronic and life-threatening health problems.
CPAP stands for continuous positive airway pressure, and this treatment helps keep airways open while you sleep. A CPAP machine pumps pressured air through a mask that fits over your face (to cover your nose and mouth, or just your mouth) and directs air through your airways to prevent narrowing or blockages while you sleep.
This machine offers some fantastic benefits. The most obvious is that you will get the restorative, quality sleep you need. You will notice a reduction in daytime fatigue, mental fog, and mood swings while also feeling more alert and focused throughout the day. Some people see results after just a couple of nights. By wearing CPAP therapy every night while you sleep, you can also reduce your risk for high blood pressure and the other health problems above.
CPAP therapy only has to be worn by the patient at night while asleep. Our team of Columbia, SC, sleep specialists will also discuss ways to clean the CPAP machine and pump, which will need to be cleaned at least once a week. We can also provide you with tips to help make you feel more comfortable while wearing CPAP night after night.
Bogan Sleep Consultants provides the treatment you need to get your sleep apnea under control. If you are dealing with symptoms, you owe it to yourself to turn to our Columbia, SC, sleep specialists for answers. Call us today at (803) 251-3093.
