Sleep apnea
In sleep apnea, you experience a sudden pause and run of your breath while sleeping. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is called the most common type.
You must treat sleep apnea earlier; if not, it can lead to severe conditions.
Symptoms
Sleep apnea usually happens while you are asleep.
Sings includes the following:
- Pause and run in breathing
- Producing wired gasping or choking noises
- Disturbed sleep
- Loud snoring
In the daytime, you experience;
- Exhaustion
- Lack concentration
- Frequent mood swings
- A sharp headache after you wake up
Causes
Sleep apnea condition happens if your air paths become narrowed while you sleep.
Linked to;
- Overweight(Obesity)
- Large neck
- Old age
- Heredity
- Smoking and alcoholism
- Having large tonsils or adenoids
- Sleeping positions (On your back)
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
When to consult the doctor
If you are undergoing the main symptoms, such as;
- Pause and run in breathing
- Producing wearied gasping or choking noises
- Feeling worn out in the daytime
Sleep apnea, in most cases, becomes serious if left untreated. So, it’s always better to get a doctor’s concern.
Risk factors
If sleep apnea remains untreated, it leads to conditions like;
- High blood pressure
- Stroke
- Type 2 diabetes
- Heart disease
- Mood swings or depression
Self-help activities
Sleep apnea gets treated by making proper lifestyle changes, and there are certain things one can do to help.
Carry out these if your condition is in a milder state.
- Reduce your overweight
- Exercise regularly
- Practice good sleep habits
- Sleep on your side position
Reviewed by – Dr. Priyanka, MBBS MD Microbiology
Page last reviewed: 04 October 2022