Anyone in need of sleep apnea treatment in Bethesda, MD is encouraged to contact our experienced and compassionate team at Advanced Sleep Treatment. Sleep apnea is a potentially life-threatening and serious breathing condition, characterized by interruptions of breathing during sleep. The people most likely to be impacted by sleep apnea or those who are overweight, snore loudly, have high blood pressure, or a physical abnormality of the throat, nose, or other related parts of the upper airway. Taking sleeping pills and using alcohol can also increase the frequency of sleep apnea. The best way to find out whether you have sleep apnea is to speak with sleep experts who are knowledgeable in this area of health, such as us!
What are the causes of sleep apnea?
If the airway becomes obstructed in some way while you were sleeping, sleep apnea can occur. In some instances, the throat muscles and tongue relax and block the windpipe. Issues structurally, such as a large tongue or tonsils, can raise the risk of developing this condition. Those who are overweight are also at an increased vulnerability to developing sleep apnea.
How do I know if I have sleep apnea?
Snoring is one of the main symptoms of sleep apnea. However, not every person who snores has sleep apnea. Maybe your partner has noticed your breathing stops periodically throughout the night, as this is a common sign that sleep apnea is a problem. Because those with sleep apnea have disrupted sleep, they often have daytime headaches and sleepiness.
Is there more than one type of sleep apnea?
Yes, there are two types of sleep apnea. The first, is called Central Sleep Apnea. This happens when the brain is unable to send appropriate messages to the muscles that initiate breathing. The second type is called Obstructive Sleep apnea. This occurs when air cannot sufficiently flow in or out of the person’s mouth or nose, despite efforts to breathe. Recognizing the symptoms of sleep apnea can make all the difference in treatment and managing this condition. Don’t hesitate to speak with a breathing doctor about Bethesda, MD sleep apnea treatment if you suspect that you or your partner has sleep apnea.
Why is sleep apnea so serious?
When a person’s breathing stops, the level of oxygen in their blood can drop. This sudden decrease can put strain on the cardiovascular system, making the heart work harder than it has to. Those with sleep apnea are more likely to develop diabetes, high blood pressure, and irregular heart beats. Sleep apnea that goes untreated may be associated with strokes and heart attacks.
Any condition that has to do with impaired breathing must receive treatment promptly. Sleep deprivation is another consequence of sleep apnea. A person with sleep apnea may struggle with memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and abrupt mood disturbances throughout the day. Being chronically fatigued and irritable can cause problems in one’s personal and work life.
If you or someone you love is struggling with sleep apnea, don’t hesitate to call us about sleep apnea treatment in Bethesda, Maryland from Advanced Sleep Treatment today!