Publication

By Victoria Acosta, DO

Sleep apnea—it's a term most of us have heard of. In fact, chances are you know someone who uses a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine at night or at least someone who has undergone a sleep study.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder, but it is not something to ignore. The stakes are high. Left untreated, apnea can raise your risks of high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, depression, irritability, sexual dysfunction, and memory and learning problems. And, of course, driving when drowsy can be deadly for everyone on the road.

OSA happens when the airway gets blocked during sleep, restricting or cutting off your body's oxygen supply. Essentially, you stop breathing. This causes your body to wake up briefly to get your breathing going again. This can happen up to hundreds of times a night.

Loud snoring is the most obvious symptom of OSA. If your housemate complains about your volume, you will want to listen up. However, if you live alone, you may not have had anyone tell you that you snore. Other signs and symptoms that you might have OSA include:

• You wake up frequently and wake up from sleep gasping or choking.
• You have headaches in the morning.
• You feel tired during the day or have trouble concentrating.

Do you have a sleep disorder?

If you think you may have a sleep disorder, your best resource is your primary care provider. He or she may likely refer you to a sleep clinic for a sleep study or perhaps suggest an at-home sleep study test. The important thing is to have a discussion. Additionally, if you have access to the Internet, I encourage you to take the free quiz on our website. Go to MyArborHealth.org/sleep-quiz.

Sleep Myth Busters

Myth: Naps can make up for lost sleep.

Fact: A siesta is reenergizing, but it can't replace a good night's sleep, because a nap doesn't move you through the essential stages of sleep you get with a full night of sleep.

Myth: You'll sleep better If you exercise at night.

Fact: Exercise can help you sleep, but earlier in the day might be best. Why? Exercise can be stimulating and raise your core body temperature, making it tougher to sleep if it's too close to your bedtime.

Myth: A nightcap will help you sleep more soundly.

Fact: Alcohol makes you tired and can help you doze off more quickly—at first. But as it works its way through your body, alcohol produces chemicals that interfere with the quality of your sleep. Alcohol can also worsen snoring; increase your risk for obstructive sleep apnea; and cause a reduction in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, when most dreaming occurs.

Myth: Older people need less sleep.

Fact: Not necessarily. This misconception might be due to the fact that as we age, sleep is more fragmented, caused by disorders like insomnia or sleep apnea. Most adults, regardless of age, need between seven and nine hours of sleep each night.

Myth: Turning on the TV will help you doze off.

Fact: While a TV can initially lull you to sleep, its changing volume and lighting can jolt you awake and interfere with a solid slumber.

Categories: Sleep