Breathe Better, Sleep Better Month
- Posted on: Feb 28 2022
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This March marks an important month: Breathe Better, Sleep Better Month. In honor of Breathe Better, Sleep Better Month, we are spotlighting an increasingly common condition known as obstructive sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea affects an estimated 22 million Americans each year, with many more undiagnosed. While obstructive sleep apnea affects mainly adult men over the age of 50 who are overweight or obese, it still occurs in women, younger men, children, and even people who are healthy and have healthy body weight.
But how do you know if you have obstructive sleep apnea? There are actually many warning signs to look out for that can signal there may be trouble with your breathing while you sleep – even if you sleep alone. Here are just a few:
Feeling Tired / Sluggish During The Day
Do you go to sleep and wake at a reasonable hour, but still feel tired and sluggish throughout the day, as if you hadn’t slept at all? This could be due to sleep apnea. That’s because when you have sleep apnea, even if you think you’re sleeping a full eight hours, you could be waking up repeatedly throughout the night without even realizing it. Naturally, this will cause you to feel tired during the day, and drag as if you hadn’t gotten any rest at all.
Cognitive Impairment
Do you suffer from cognitive impairment during the day? Are you forgetful, or is your coordination off? Do you struggle to do things you know how to do? This could be due to being overtired from sleep apnea.
Snoring
Does your sleep partner tell you that you snore, choke or gasp for air when you sleep? This is another telltale sign of sleep apnea that unfortunately may be missed in those who sleep alone. This is why it is so important to pay attention to your daytime waking schedule and notify your doctor if you notice any changes.
If you suspect you may have sleep apnea, or if you already have a sleep apnea diagnosis but aren’t getting the results you want from your current sleep apnea therapy, Dr. Peterson can help. To learn more about which sleep apnea solutions are available through Dr. Peterson, please schedule a consultation today.
Tagged with: breathing, Dr. Peterson, OSA, sleep apnea
Posted in: sleep apnea
