Is Anyone Sleeping?! Sleep Apnea Statistics That'll Startle You Awake

Approximately 1 in 12 people in the United States suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, with 10% of that being mild sleep apnea. How can we improve sleep for those with this condition? Read on to discover the symptoms of sleep apnea, statistics, and treatment options!

1 Sleep Apnea What Is It?

Sleep apnea can happen 30 times or even more an hour! It is a disorder that can either causes your breathing to stop or get very shallow, most commonly known as obstructive sleep apnea.

When you have obstructive sleep apnea, your airway becomes blocked and then breathing will continue by a choking or snorting sound.

When you have sleep apnea, you are more likely to be tired throughout the day which makes it much more difficult to sleep. It is important to get treatment because being tired throughout the day could lead to car crashes and other accidents.

You might wonder reading on, can you die from sleep apnea? Sadly, it is a possibility. If you have sleep apnea you are actually 3 times more likely to suffer heart failure, stroke, or sadly die. As mentioned above, you are more likely to get into accidents, so there is that risk as well.

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2Mild Sleep Apnea

Did you know that if you have mild sleep apnea you can stop breathing 5-15 times within an hour while sleeping? You might have been under the impression that mild sleep apnea is not as dangerous, but sadly mild sleep apnea could always turn more severe as well. That is why it is so important to get treatment.

Check out this modern CPAP machine for treatment of sleep apnea, so you can breathe better at night for a healthy future!

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3Statistics

Did you know that sleep apnea increases your chance of heart failure by 140%? Unfortunately, sleep apnea can be hereditary as well so it's important to check your family history plus any symptoms you may have. Some risk factors are smoking, high blood pressure, chronic nasal congestion, and a narrowed airway. Also if you currently are obese, that is a risk factor as well.

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4Signs to Act Immediately

According to this sleep apnea guide, if you show any of these signs please act immediately with no delay:

• Always tired after sleeping.
• Excessively tired during the day.
• Headache.
• Depression.
• Frequent urination.
• Memory trouble.
• Acid reflux.

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5Possible consequences

Also according to the sleep apnea guide, these are possible consequences, that could also lead to death.

• Type 2 diabetes.
• Hypertension.
• Coronary artery disease.
• Cardiac arrhythmia.
• Heart failure.

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6Testing

Are you afraid you have sleep apnea? Obstructive sleep apnea increases your risk of stroke by 60%. You could save your life by getting treatment, and also getting tested for it.

If you would like to get tested for sleep apnea, a physician certified in sleep apnea could give you the test.

You could either have a home sleep study or in a lab. Your physician will go over your symptoms to determine if the test is right for you.

If you live with someone else, it is important to ask them what symptoms they notice when you're sleeping such as choking noises or snoring.

If you do the in-lab sleep study, you will be in a lab that could look similar to a hotel room. You will have sensors hooked up to you to monitor your brain waves, movement, heartbeat, and breathing. This is usually chosen if it is a more complex situation.

This is the most expensive option, but normally insurance companies cover it since it is deemed necessary.

The other option is a home sleep study. If you are highly likely to have sleep obstructive apnea but no other disorders then this is normally chosen. This is great because you can do it in the comfort of your own home, and it's pretty easy to set up.

After the testing, you will then meet with your physician and go over the results.

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7Cpap Alternatives

CPAP machines are still considered the best treatment for sleep apnea, but there are alternatives as well! One CPAP alternative is an oral mouthpiece you wear at night that is created by a sleep apnea dentist.

There are pros and cons to each treatment option. Of course, another treatment option is also weight loss. If you currently suffer from obesity, losing weight could help alleviate some of sleep apnea.

There is a device known as the BiPap. It is similar to the CPAP except it uses two pressures instead of one. The two pressures are lower exhale pressure and an inhale. It has been used for those who cannot the CPAP.

There is a strong connection between obesity and sleep apnea. Whichever treatment you choose, make sure to speak with your doctor about your best options.

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8Next Steps

Did you know sleep apnea increases your chances of coronary heart disease by 30%? As stated above, don't delay on getting help for sleep apnea. This is your future and health. Thankfully there are so many options for those suffering from sleep apnea!

Mild sleep apnea is just as serious and dangerous as moderate and severe, plus it can always turn into those as well. You can still develop those deadly conditions, and you can still get into an accident. Take a look at your symptoms, ask those who live with you if they notice you choking or snorting while sleeping.

It is better to get treatment sooner than later, and as stated, most insurance companies will cover the test. Book a test with a sleep apnea certified physician today!

If you decide a CPAP is not the right option for you, please check out the alternatives available as stated above.

This is your future and health, and you want it to be as healthy as possible.

Would you like to learn more? Check out our blog to read more about health!

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