Common Problems : Sleep Apnea

If you have sleep apnea, your throat becomes blocked during sleep. Your breathing is completely or nearly completely obstructed for short periods of time. To eliminate the obstruction, you must briefly wake up. The cycle repeats many times throughout the night. Besides snoring, you or your child may:

• Gasp or snort in your sleep
• Wake up tired after a full night's sleep
• Wake up with a headache
• Feel very sleepy during the day
• Have problems with memory or concentration
• Fall asleep easily without meaning to
• Be cranky or short-tempered

Sleep apnea also makes you or your child more likely to develop certain other health problems such as high blood pressure, heart problems and stroke.

Your doctor can discuss with you the various treatment options for snoring and sleep apnea. Treatment can help you or your child breath freely again so you get a good night's sleep.

Your doctor will conduct a physical exam and probably ask you or your child to participate in a sleep study. In a sleep study, your breathing, heart rate, oxygen level and other functions are measured and recorded. The findings help determine which treatment will best help you or your child. There are several treatments available such as mouthpieces, air pressure treatment and surgical procedures that can reduce or eliminate sleep apnea.

Changing some habits may also help to stop snoring and prevent mild sleep apnea. Sleeping on the side, losing weight, avoiding alcohol, the use of certain medications and unblocking the nose may all help.

Work with your doctor to get the most out of your treatment plan. Sleep apnea can lead to serious health problems. Treatment can help prevent those problems. It can also help you and your family get quiet, restful sleep. This will let you or your child wake up feeling alert, refreshed and ready to face the day.