Obstructive sleep apnea is one of the most common, but often under-recognized sleep disorders. It often comes accompanied by snoring, daytime sleepiness, and mood changes. This serious sleep disorder causes pauses in breathing, even hundreds of times while a person is sleeping. During a sleep apnea episode, the airway collapses and the chest wall muscles and the diaphragm struggle to open it. As a result, breathing is resumed with a gasp, snore, or a feeling of choking.

In fact, 1 in 3 adults has obstructive sleep apnea and it increases the risk of other serious health issues, such as stroke, depression, hypertension, and heart disease. What is disturbing about this condition is that it’s often undiagnosed that people are unaware that they have it. Moreover, obstructive sleep apnea increases the risk of atrial fibrillation and hospital admission.

Likewise, obstructive sleep apnea is often the culprit for car accidents, impaired performance, and work-related injuries. This sleep disorder can interfere with other health conditions and their management, such as diabetes and cancer.

Ways to Know if You're at Risk for Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is often an undiagnosed condition because not everyone who experiences it has symptoms. There are various symptoms which a person might experience, such as increased urination, sweats, impairment of memory, sexual dysfunction, and headaches.

Even though it is believed that men are more susceptible to developing obstructive sleep apnea, women in menopause are as likely to develop it.

The risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea increases with age, but can also happen in children. In fact, 1 to 3 percent of children have obstructive sleep apnea, also known as pediatric obstructive sleep apnea, which is usually a result of enlarged tonsils and adenoids.

Obesity doesn’t seem to be always the cause of obstructive sleep apnea, because this sleep disorder can also be inherited. To get a proper diagnosis, it’s crucial to undergo a test. One of the best tests is considered to be home testing.

What to Do in a Case of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Besides the fact that it doesn’t always show symptoms, obstructive sleep apnea is a condition which can be treated if diagnosed on time. Moreover, the treatment of this sleep disorder can prevent numerous health issues.

Nowadays, there are plenty of treatments available for this sleep disorder. First and foremost, it’s crucial to make some simple lifestyle changes, such as avoiding alcohol, changing sleep position, and shedding some pounds. 

When it comes to moderate-to-severe sleep apnea, the best treatment is considered to be continuous positive airway pressure therapy (CPAP). This is a non-invasive and highly effective treatment for the disorder. So, if you suspect that you might deal with obstructive sleep apnea, don’t hesitate to contact a sleep specialist.