What you don’t know about obstructive sleep apnea might surprise you.
 

Sleep apnea is more common than most people even realize. In fact, sleep apnea has become a serious issue for Americans. This is why it’s important for patients of our Columbia, SC, sleep doctors to be able to recognize the warning signs of sleep apnea in themselves or a loved one. The sooner sleep apnea is treated the better. Here are some things you should know about the all-too-common sleep disorder.

There are different kinds of sleep apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is one of the most common types of sleep apnea, but it isn’t the only kind. Central sleep apnea is another type of sleep apnea that occurs when the brain doesn’t send signals to the muscles of the respiratory system throughout the night. Our Columbia, SC, sleep specialists also diagnose people with both central and obstructive sleep apnea at the same time, which is known as complex sleep apnea syndrome.

You could have it and not even know it

If you get into bed and fall asleep then you may not think much about your sleep quality or whether you could have sleep apnea. Unfortunately, you could have sleep apnea and not even recognize it. If you find yourself nodding off easily during the day or needing to take a nap in the afternoon these could be indicators of sleep apnea. Most people think it’s normal to feel sleepy during the day, but it’s not. This could actually be a clue that you could be dealing with sleep apnea.

Untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious health problems

If you even suspect that you could have sleep apnea it’s best to see our sleep specialists in Columbia, SC, for a study. If sleep apnea isn’t treated it can lead to arrhythmias, heart attack, hypertension, stroke, and diabetes. The sleep deprivation that occurs in those with a sleep disorder may also make them prone to depression.

Being obese is a major risk factor

If you are overweight or obese you are at a much greater risk for developing obstructive sleep apnea than people who maintain a healthy body mass index (BMI). If you are overweight or obese it’s important that you start taking healthy steps now to lose weight. Losing weight can both reduce your risk and also improve sleep apnea symptoms.
 

If you or a loved one is displaying symptoms of sleep apnea, it’s time to turn to our sleep team here in Columbia, SC, to find out what’s going on and to get the proper care you need. To schedule a sleep consultation, call Bogan Sleep Consultants today at (803) 251-3093.