Sleep Therapy > Sleep Apnea Education

Having trouble sleeping? You may have Sleep Apnea.

Sleep Apnea is a potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops & starts.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep Apnea is a sleep disorder marked by disruptions of breathing during sleep. These pauses in breathing can last from seconds to minutes and may occur one hundred or more times in a single night. This condition can be life-threatening if left untreated, but CPAP therapy and lifestyle changes can greatly improve the quality of sleep and extend the life of the patient.

Do I Have Sleep Apnea?

You or your partner may notice the following symptoms:

  • Loud snoring
  • Gasping or choking during sleep
  • Waking up with a dry mouth
  • Feeling tired after a full night’s sleep
  • Morning headaches
  • Excessive daytime sleepiness
  • Irritability
  • Difficulty staying asleep
  • Difficulty with attention/concentration during the day

Types

There are three types of sleep apnea:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

OSA or Obstructive Sleep Apnea occurs when a person’s airway becomes partially or completely blocked during sleep. This is the most common type of sleep apnea. It can be caused by obesity, smoking, wider neck circumference, narrow airway, nasal congestion, and having OSA in one’s family history.

 

Central Sleep Apnea

CSA or Central Sleep Apnea occurs when a person’s brain doesn’t send the proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. This type can be caused by heart failure, stroke, certain pain medications, and brain injuries.

Complex Sleep Apnea

CompSAS or Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome is when someone has a combination of OSA and CSA.

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