Sleep Apnea

What defines Sleep Apnea?

Sleep Apnea is a condition where you stop breathing periodically during sleep, as many as 20-30+ times per hour. Each time you stop breathing in your sleep results in a shortage of oxygen that sends signals to your brain, which for a short period wakes you up to let you breathe properly. Since the time spent awake is so little, most people suffering from sleep apnea don’t even remember that they were abruptly woken up at night, and many feel like they are getting a good sleep, despite the fact their sleep is disturbed many times during the night. The continuous wake and sleep process cycle can be a hinderance to those with sleep apnea from getting a good deep sleep, resulting in a constant drowsy feeling during the day.

Different Categories of Sleep Apnea

Sleep Apnea is categorized into 3 types:

1. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): This is the most common type and occurs due to a physical obstruction, usually the collapsing of the soft tissue in the back of the throat.
2. Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): This is less common and is caused because the brain does not properly signal the muscles to breathe.
3. “Mixed” or “Complex” Sleep Apnea: This is a combination of OSA and CSA.

Is Sleep Apnea Dangerous?

If left untreated, sleep apnea is considered a serious medical problem which can lead to high blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart failure and stroke. The current state of tiredness caused by sleep apnea can lead to concentration problems at work or school, as well as it can be quiet dangerous while driving or operating heavy machinery. Sleep apnea is strongly related to our body’s ability to heal and restore itself while sleeping. Untreated sleep apnea can lead to numerous medical conditions. Studies show that sleep apnea can have up to a 200x increase on the medical system due to contributing to chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes.

What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?

Here are some of the most common symptoms of sleep apnea

• Sleeplessness or difficulty in sleeping
• Snoring at night
• Sudden wakening at night with shortness of breath
• Snorting or choking sounds during the night
• Waking up with headaches
• Daytime sleepiness
• Memory problems
• Acid Reflux or GI distress
• High blood pressure
• Obesity
• Waking up to urinate during the night or bedwetting

What are the treatment options for Sleep Apnea?

Sleep Apnea is a common and serious sleeping disorder that occurs when a person’s breathing is interrupted during their sleep. Treatments for sleep apnea depend on the cause and seriousness of each individual case and the type of apnea. Treatment can range from behavioral changes in lifestyle like weightloss, sleeping on your side instead of your back, oral devices to help prevent throat blockage, Nightlase (Link to page), and many more options. Find the right treatment for sleep apnea and snoring prevention isn’t always an easy task. Dr. Chen and her team are committed to providing patients with the best treatments for sleep apnea in New York City. We take pride in improving the overall quality of life for every patient suffering from sleep apnea by investigating the possible causes and finding solutions. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.