Whittier Chiropractor Discusses Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea.  It’s a condition which will literally keep you awake at night.  It affects about 18 million people in North America and obese people are at greater risk to develop this condition.

There are two types of sleep apnea, obstructive and central.  Obstructive is the most common form and it occurs when your airway is blocked because soft tissue at the back of the throat collapses during sleep.  When this happens, the brain alerts you by waking you up.  Some people may even wake several hundred times throughout a single sleep cycle.  Central sleep apnea, on the other hand happens when the brain doesn’t send signals to the muscles to breathe but the airway isn’t actually blocked.  This condition indicates a problem in the respiratory system.

Did you know that without enough restful sleep you increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, diabetes and hypertension?

The risk factors associated with your chances of developing this condition are obesity, over 40 years of age, a large neck size, nasal obstructions, gastrointestinal reflux, or family history of sleep apnea.  Men are also more likely to develop it than women.

Here are some signs you may have this condition:

- Snore loudly

- Gasp for breath while sleeping

- Awake frequently

- Suffer morning headaches

- Sleepy during the day

- Concentration and memory problems

- Feel depressed

You may be able to treat mild sleep apnea with a few lifestyle changes.  Avoid consuming alcohol, smoking, taking sleeping pills and sleeping on your back.  Losing weight may also help.

If you frequently awake during sleep, speak with your doctor.  Even if you are not diagnosed with sleep apnea, you want to address your insomnia as it can have a profound impact on your health now and in the future.

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