Sleep Apnea is a sleep disorder that causes breathing to stop for several seconds at a time while a person is sleeping. These pauses can occur as many as twenty to thirty times per hour. This can cause a number of symptoms, including excessive daytime sleepiness and headaches. Additionally, people with sleep apnea may experience sore throat, dry mouth, or difficulty concentrating.
Help You Breathe Easier At Night
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has published recommendations for adults with this sleep disorder. It is estimated that nearly 30 million people in the United States have sleep apnea. That’s about 12 percent of the population. Fortunately, there are treatments that can help. If you’re worried about sleeping disorders, visit your doctor for a sleep apnea test.
While there’s no cure for this condition, there are some lifestyle changes that can help. Sleeping on your side can help your body keep the airway open while you sleep. Sleeping on your back can cause soft tissues to drop toward the throat, which can obstruct your breathing. You can also use body pillows or countered side pillows to help you roll on your side during the night.
People with sleep apnea are at a higher risk for high blood pressure, heart failure, and stroke. The sudden drops in blood oxygen levels during sleep may also stress the cardiovascular system. People with obstructive sleep apnea are at a higher risk for developing heart disease and type 2 diabetes.