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Sleep Apnea
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is the temporary suspension of breathing during sleep. Breathing may stop hundreds of times each night interrupting a person's sleep.
Apnea occurs most often in people who are obese and have upper airway obstruction or neurological abnormalities in the brain’s respiratory control center.
Is Sleep Apnea Dangerous?
If left untreated sleep apnea can be dangerous. It can cause a number of related conditions ranging from general fatigue and headaches to high blood pressure, diabetes, hypertension, stroke, and even death.
How Would I Know if I Have Sleep Apnea?
- You annoy others with frequent, loud snoring
- You experience excessive daytime sleepiness and fatigue
- You unintentionally fall asleep when watching TV, reading, and at the movies.
- You awaken unrefreshed after a night's sleep.
- You often feel groggy, dull, and unalert.
- You wake up with morning tension headaches.
- You drive with an unawareness of your surroundings.
- You fall asleep when driving
- Your spouse or roommate tells you that your breathing stops periodically while sleeping.
- Your spouse or roommate tells you that you gasp for breath while asleep.
You may be unaware of awakening many times throughout the night gasping for air. Although your arousal is slight, it is enough to disrupt your sleep pattern causing you to get very little deep, restful sleep.
What Should I Do If I Think I Might Have Sleep Apnea?
Dr. McAnnally can help you get the normal, healthy sleep you deserve. Call (248) 282-7298 to schedule an appointment.