7 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Sleep Apnea

7 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Sleep Apnea

Do you find yourself waking up feeling sluggish and having trouble focusing on work due to excessive daytime sleepiness? These symptoms could be a sign of sleep apnea. 

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a condition that causes you to wake up multiple times during the night without realizing it. It occurs when your upper airway becomes blocked, preventing you from getting enough air while you sleep. This can leave you feeling exhausted and exposed to various health risks. 

Although sleep apnea has become more understood in recent years, there are still things you may not have known about it. 

  1. Sleep Apnea Was First Discovered in 1965

Scientists first discovered sleep apnea in 1965 when they observed patients experiencing pauses in breathing. They determined that a blockage in the upper airway was the cause.

  1. There Are Two Main Types of Sleep Apnea

– Obstructive Sleep Apnea: This is the most common type, occurring when the muscles in your throat relax, leading to a blockage of the airways. Snoring is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea.

– Central Sleep Apnea: A less common form, central sleep apnea occurs when the brain fails to send proper signals to the muscles responsible for breathing.

  1. Children Can Experience Sleep Apnea Too

Around 4% of children are diagnosed with sleep apnea, and this number is increasing each year. Large tonsils or adenoids are often the cause in children. Look out for symptoms such as irritability, change in appetite, hyperactivity, and difficulty focusing on studies.

  1. Sleep Apnea Increases the Risk of Car Accidents

Those with sleep apnea have a higher risk of being involved in car accidents. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, individuals with sleep apnea are 2.5 times more likely to be in an accident than those without the condition. This statistic should not be ignored.

  1. Men are at a Higher Risk than Women

While both men and women can develop sleep apnea, men have a higher risk. For women, the risk increases after going through menopause.

  1. Sleep Apnea Often Coincides with Other Health Conditions

People with conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, asthma, and diabetes are more likely to develop sleep apnea. Additionally, those with a family history of the condition and those who smoke or have chronic nasal congestion are at higher risk.

  1. Treatment Options Have Advanced

In the past, tracheostomies, which involved creating a permanent hole in the throat, were the only treatment option for sleep apnea. Thankfully, advancements in medical technology have led to alternatives that do not require invasive procedures. One such option is AIRLIFT, a simple and effective treatment for sleep apnea that does not involve a CPAP machine.

Final Thoughts

With ongoing advancements in the medical field, there are now effective treatment options available, such as AIRLIFT, that can provide immediate and lasting relief. Don’t let sleep apnea hold you back from a good night’s rest and a productive day.