What To Know About Sleep Apnea
Have you been told by family members that you snore loudly and keep them up at night? Or do you wake up in the morning feeling like you barely got any sleep? If so, there is a chance you are experiencing sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a very serious condition that greatly affects your overall health. It can lead to a number of serious health complications, and when left untreated, it can take a number of years off your life. Unfortunately, many people who suffer from sleep apnea remain undiagnosed.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Millions of Americans suffer from sleep apnea, with many remaining undiagnosed. Sleep apnea is a condition in which patients start and stop breathing throughout the night. When you stop breathing, your brain receives a signal to wake you and restart your breathing again. Patients who experience sleep apnea may wake hundreds of times a night. Although you may be awake for mere seconds, it is enough to disrupt important sleep cycles. Many patients are unaware they are experiencing sleep apnea, so it is important to be mindful of warning signs. They can include:
- Regular headaches
- Loud snoring
- Daily and unexplained fatigue
- Trouble concentrating
- General irritability
- Insomnia
- Tendency to doze throughout the day
Sleep Apnea Can Affect Children
Sleep apnea is not only found in adults. In fact, many children have undiagnosed sleep apnea because parents aren’t aware this is an issue for children. Common signs for sleep apnea in children include:
- Night terrors
- Frequently wetting the bed
- Sleeping in strange positions
- Loud snoring
- Mouth breathing
- Coughing or choking during sleep
We are happy to offer sleep apnea treatment to our patients. If you think you or a loved one are suffering from sleep apnea or you have been diagnosed and are in need of treatment, be sure to contact our office in Charlotte, NC to schedule an appointment. We want to help improve your life and get the quality sleep you need.
