Don’t Let Sleep Apnea Steal Your Dreams
Sound sleep is essential for a healthy life. It is during sleep that our bodies repair and rejuvenate, allowing us to wake up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day. A lack of sleep can lead to a host of health problems, including an increased risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and even depression. In fact, studies have shown that people who consistently get less than seven hours of sleep per night are at a higher risk for these and other health issues. So, if you want to live a healthy life, make sure you’re getting enough quality sleep each night!
Sleep disorders are conditions that affect the ability to sleep well regularly. Some common types of sleep disorders include Insomnia, Sleep Apnea, Narcolepsy, Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), Parasomnias, REM Sleep Behavior Disorder, and more. Among these, Sleep Apnea is a common sleep-related breathing disorder that disrupts night breathing and is rising alarmingly worldwide. It is estimated that more than 100 million people worldwide suffer from sleep apnea. It is estimated that 936 million adults aged 30-69 years have mild to severe obstructive sleep apnea, and 425 million adults aged 30-69 years globally have moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea.
This highlights the need for effective diagnostic and treatment strategies to minimize the negative health impacts of this disorder.
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where breathing is interrupted repeatedly during sleep. The most common symptoms of sleep apnea include loud snoring, disturbed sleep, morning headaches, sleepiness or lack of energy during the day, waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat, irritability, mood changes, loss of libido (loss of interest in sex), and insomnia. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment. Sleep apnea can have serious health consequences if left untreated.
Sleep apnea is diagnosed through a sleep study, which can be done either at a sleep centre or at home. The most common test used to diagnose sleep apnea is called a polysomnogram. During this test, you're hooked up to equipment that monitors your heart, lung and brain activity, breathing patterns, arm and leg movements, and blood oxygen levels while you sleep. Based on reports and medical tests, the doctor diagnoses what type of sleep apnea you have.
During this test, you're hooked up to equipment that monitors your heart, lung and brain activity, breathing patterns, arm and leg movements, and blood oxygen levels while you sleep. Based on reports and medical tests, the doctor diagnoses what type of sleep apnea you have.
Sleep apnea is a serious medical condition and if left untreated, it can lead to complications such as daytime fatigue, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, liver problems, metabolic syndrome and more. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment. Treatment options for sleep apnea include lifestyle modifications such as losing weight, quitting smoking, sleeping on your side, and avoiding alcohol. If these measures are not effective, therapies such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or surgery may be advised.
Bhupinder Nanda
CEO, CareOne MediMart
www.shopcareone.com