Quality Sleep Is Important
Along with diet and exercise, quality sleep is one of the most important aspects of your overall health. When you don’t sleep well, you increase your risk of experiencing an accident or developing a serious health condition. If you wake in the morning not feeling rested or if you find yourself sleepy during the day, you may be suffering from a common sleep condition known as sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a condition that causes patients to stop breathing for a short time due to the tongue blocking the airway and causing an obstruction. Each time you stop breathing, due to lack of oxygen, your brain is alerted to the disruption, causing you to wake. This process typically continues during your entire sleep period, whether you’re taking a nap or sleeping at night.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea often remains misdiagnosed because many people are not aware they are experiencing symptoms. The wakeful periods during the night are typically brief, only lasting seconds, leaving most people unaware their exhaustion is being caused by sleep apnea. Many sleep apnea patients are alerted to sleeping issues by their loved ones. Sleep apnea symptoms can include:
- Loud snoring
- Waking up gasping for breath
- Exhaustion after a full night of sleep
- Headaches in the morning
- Waking with a dry mouth
- Difficulty staying asleep
- Irritability
Importance of Receiving Treatment
Untreated sleep apnea can be extremely harmful to your overall health. Our bodies need quality sleep to recharge our minds and replenish our energy. When we are not fully rested, there is a greater chance of experiencing an accident. Sleep apnea can also lead to serious health issues such as memory loss, depression, heart disease, an increase in blood pressure, and stroke.
If you feel that you or a loved one might be suffering from sleep apnea and are experiencing any of the warning signs above, please reach out to our office located in Canandaigua, NY. We can discuss options for you to help you get the sleep you need and deserve.
