Sleep Apnea Demystified: Understanding the Causes and Symptoms

Sleep is a natural and essential function of human life. It allows your body to rest and regenerate, playing a crucial role in maintaining good health and well-being. When you don't get enough sleep, or the sleep you get is not of good quality, it can affect your physical and mental health.
 

The Importance of Sleep for Health

A good night's sleep is as vital to your well-being as a balanced diet and regular exercise. When you sleep, your body processes information from the day, repairs and regenerates cells, balances hormones, and recharges the heart and cardiovascular system. For your brain, sleep is a critical time for consolidation, memory formation, and learning.
 

What is sleep apnea and what causes it?

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that occurs when a person's breathing is interrupted during sleep. This can happen numerous times a night, with each pause in breathing lasting several seconds. The most common type of sleep apnea is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), which is caused by the airway occluding from any number of reasons like big tonsils or adenoids, fatty deposition around the throat, enlarged nasal turbinates, or a floppy airway. 
 

What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?

The symptoms of sleep apnea can be subtle and easily mistaken for other conditions or lifestyle factors. The most common symptom is loud and chronic snoring, but not everyone who snores has sleep apnea or vice versa. Other symptoms include frequent pauses in breathing during sleep, gasping for breath or choking during sleep, and feeling excessively tired during the day. Children can present with daytime hyperactivity and inattention (ADHD) and behavior problems.
 

Sleep apnea can also lead to morning headaches, restless sleep, insomnia, and waking up with a dry mouth or a sore throat. Cognitive issues such as memory problems, difficulty concentrating, or mood changes can also be symptoms of sleep apnea.
 

When should I see a professional about sleep apnea?

If you or your child are experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea, it's crucial to see a healthcare provider. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent health problems, improve your sleep and quality of life. If you snore loudly, feel tired even after a full night's sleep, or have been told you stop breathing during sleep, it's time to consult with a professional. If your child has symptoms of ADHD, poor school performance, or behavior problems, consider speaking with a sleep specialist about these concerns.
 

Ignoring the symptoms of sleep apnea can have serious consequences. Untreated sleep apnea can lead to a range of health problems in children, including bedwetting and poor academic achievement. For adults, untreated sleep apnea can increase the risk for high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease, diabetes, and excessive daytime sleepiness. Excessive daytime sleepiness is can contribute to poor performance in everyday activities, such as at work and school, and can decrease your overall quality of life.
 

Conclusion

Sleep apnea can be a source of substantial health problems, but with recognition, proper diagnosis, and treatment, it can be controlled, and your quality of sleep and quality of life can be significantly improved.
 

Take charge of your sleep health today. If you suspect you may have sleep apnea, visit Houston Pediatric Neurology and Sleep at our office in Houston or Sugar Land, Texas. Please call (832) 252-9320 to schedule an appointment or book online at www.pedneurosleep.com.