Sleep Apnea Screening

woman sleeping comfortably on white pillow

Easy, Convenient, Sleep Apnea Screening

Have you been told that you snore, loudly, and on more than one occasion? Perhaps you’ve been told you sound as if you are gasping for air? If so, you should be screened for sleep apnea.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a common but very serious sleep disorder. Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition caused when the soft tissues in your throat become relaxed during sleep. As soft tissue relaxes it blocks the airway, which then causes breathing to become shallow or even momentarily paused. In fact, the word “apnea” refers to these episodes of paused breathing, lasting more than 10 seconds at a time. During this process a person will often emit loud snoring sounds, suffering from a lack of oxygen during sleep. The more a person wakes, the more severe their symptoms are considered.

This routine of oxygen deprivation and waking may continue for years before individuals are diagnosed or treated.

How is Sleep Apnea Diagnosed?

If sleep apnea is one of the most common sleep disorders, why does it goes undiagnosed? Since sleep apnea is not detected or diagnosed through a regular physical exam most people with sleep apnea are only alerted to their symptoms by family members or sleeping partners. Sleep apnea isn’t diagnosed through imaging or blood tests, but instead is diagnosed after a sleep study. Read about the Galileo ComfortPlus SICAT Air

Sleep Apnea Symptoms

Sufferers of sleep apnea frequently complain about chronic exhaustion, fatigue, and headaches. This may leave individuals feeling short tempered or anxious. As symptoms continue, and an individual becomes more sleep deprived attention and mood issues may begin to arise.

Common Symptoms Include

Loud Snoring / Paused Breathing During Sleep
Chronic Fatigue/Exhaustion
Waking with Dry Mouth or Sore Throat
Morning Headaches
Abrupt Waking During Night
Attention & Mood Issues
Short Temperament or Anxiety During the Day

As snoring isn’t considered a sign of a medical condition, and not everyone with sleep apnea snores if you are suffering from multiple symptoms having a sleep study is the only way to know for certain.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea in America

Today it is estimated that 18 million Americans have sleep apnea. Affecting all age groups, genders, and nationalities. Sleep apnea is least common in children, affecting only 2-3% of children. And while obesity increases the risk of developing sleep apnea, not everyone with sleep apnea is overweight. For instance, thicker necks tend to cause narrower airways, so neck width may increase the risk. Genetics may also influence this risk. Having naturally narrower airways or larger tonsils may also put you at higher risk. Also, men are twice as likely as women to develop sleep apnea, while after menopause women are at higher risk.

Environmental factors may also increase risk of sleep apnea. For example, smokers are about three times more likely to develop obstructive sleep apnea than non-smokers. Smoking also increases inflammation, fluid retention, and congestion in your airway, which may also increase the likelihood of developing symptoms.

Obesity
Smoking
Drinking Alcohol
Using Sedatives or Tranquilizers

Complications Associated with Sleep Apnea

On the surface snoring seems like an inconvenience, and sleep apnea may be brushed into a “not so serious” pile. The truth is that sleep apnea is a serious medical condition, that if left untreated may lead to variety of mental health and physical health complications. Routinely depriving your body of oxygen and restful sleep can cause any number of complications.

Sleep Apnea Risk Factors

Excessive Daytime & Chronic Fatigue. Put you at an increased risk of motor vehicle accidents, work place accidents, and “mishaps.”
Low Blood Oxygen Levels. Puts unnecessary stress on your cardiovascular system, increasing blood pressure.
Cardiovascular Strain. Puts you at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and heart problems.
Continued Cardiovascular Strain. Puts you at increased risk of developing abnormal heartbeats, like atrial fibrillation, and recurrent heart attacks.
Insulin Resistance & Liver Issues. Puts you at increased risk for insulin resistance and more prone to receiving abnormal liver tests. Are more likely to see scarring on their liver and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
Strained Relationships. Loud snoring and sleep deprivation can cause partners to sleep apart or become resentful and moody in otherwise healthy relationships.
Heart Failure – Sleep apnea can cause and increase the likelihood of heart failure.