Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a common and dangerous condition characterized by an individual’s breathing repeatedly stopping and starting throughout the sleep cycle. This stopping and starting pattern can result in an array of side effects, including an increased risk for heart attack and stroke. Sleep apnea can also lead to type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, fatigue, liver problems and sleep-deprived partners.
Common symptoms of sleep apnea include:
- Loud or excessive snoring
- Breaks/pauses in breathing while sleeping
- Morning headaches
- Sleepiness
- Lack of energy
- High blood pressure
- Irritability, depression and mood swings
These symptoms are most often observed by a sleeping partner or loved one. It is also important to note that not everyone who has sleep apnea snores. Pay attention to the other described symptoms, such as frequent feelings of fatigue, sleepiness and irritability.
Anyone can experience sleep apnea — including children — but there are several factors that can increase your risk, including but not limited to:
- Obesity
- A narrow airway or enlarged tonsils/adenoids
- A large neck
- Family history
- Smoking and alcohol consumption
- Nasal congestion
Talk to your doctor about scheduling a sleep study if you’re frequently experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea. Following a sleep study, your doctor can create a treatment plan to help you return to getting a good night’s sleep and improve your overall health.
SLEEP STUDIES
Sleep studies assist in diagnosing a variety of conditions and disorders, including sleep apnea, insomnia, narcolepsy, restless leg syndrome and sleepwalking.
Maury Regional Health conducts sleep studies with physican referral at locations in Columbia, Lawnrenceburg, Lewisburg and Waynesboro. Call 931.490.REST (7378) or visit MauryRegional.com/Sleep-Centers for more information.