It amazes me that so many people who clearly have sleeping problems remain undiagnosed.
Why are they “missed”? Are healthcare professionals uneducated on the topic, do they fail to recognize sleep as the foundation of health or are they simply too busy to consider the quality of their patients’ sleep?
The question isn’t “do you sleep well?”. It should be “do you get quality sleep?”. What’s happening to your body while you sleep? Is your heart racing trying to provide you with oxygen as you struggle to breathe?
Read on to learn more.
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (O.S.A)?
This very serious problem is caused when soft tissue/tongue in the back of your throat relaxes during sleep and blocks your airway.
As airflow stops, the oxygen level in your blood drops, causing your brain to kick-start the breathing process, which is often accompanied by gasps or choking. Sleep apnea causes your sleep cycle to reset multiple times during the night, which not only affects how you feel when you wake up, but can also lead to chronic conditions and can even be fatal if the case is severe and left untreated.
FOR MANY SLEEP APNEA SUFFERERS SYMPTOMS INCLUDE:
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- High blood pressure
- Labored breathing at night
- Puffing sounds at night
- Dry mouth upon awakening
- Snoring
- Jaw clenching, grinding
- Morning headaches
- Overweight/obesity
- Irritability
- Change in personality
- Depression
- Difficulty concentrating
- Sweating during sleep
- Heartburn
- Reduced libido
- Insomnia
- Urinating at nighttime
- Restless sleep
- Snorting, gasping, or choking
- Rapid weight gain
- Confusion upon waking
- Erectile dysfunction
- Diabetes
- History of heart problems
Could you have O.S.A? Get checked today.