Missing out on quality sleep can do more than just leave you tired during the day, it can also lead to serious health conditions like hypertension, obesity, and heart attack. At Austin Medical Group in Austin, Texas, the experienced health care team can assess your risks for sleep disorders like sleep apnea. If you’re tired of being tired, call Austin Medical Group or book an appointment online.
Sleep Apnea Q & A
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a potentially dangerous condition where your breathing stops periodically while you’re sleeping. This pause in your breathing is called an apnea.
The most common types of sleep apnea are:
- Central sleep apnea: your brain doesn’t signal your muscles to breathe
- Obstructive sleep apnea: breathing stops due to a blockage in your airway
- Complex sleep apnea syndrome: a combination of both central and obstructive sleep apnea
If left untreated, sleep apnea can cause adverse health complications.
What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?
Common symptoms of sleep apnea include:
- Difficulty staying asleep
- Loud snoring
- Headaches upon waking
- Daytime sleepiness
- Irritability and lack of focus
- Waking up with dry mouth or a sore throat
What health conditions result from sleep apnea?
When your breathing is disrupted, it prevents your body from getting enough oxygen and forces your cardiovascular system to work harder. Health conditions associated with prolonged sleep apnea include:
- Stroke
- Type 2 diabetes
- Depression
- Heart attack
- Hypertension
- Obesity or weight gain
What is a sleep risk assessment?
While sleep apnea is often overlooked as a potential health risk, the attentive team at Austin Medical Group understand the negative impact sleep disorders can have on your health. As part of your personalized wellness strategy, your doctor reviews your sleep quality to assess your potential risks. Factors evaluated during a sleep risk assessment include:
- Weight: sleep apnea is more common if you’re overweight
- Age: changes in the tongue, neck, and brain occur as you age
- Family history: can increase your risk of sleep apnea
- Neck size: thicker necks can lead to narrower airways
- Throat: narrow throats and enlarged tonsils or adenoids
- Congestion: difficulty breathing through your nose
- Smoking: can increase inflammation and fluid retention
- Alcohol or sedatives: can relax the throat muscles
The team at Austin Medical Group understand the important role sleep plays in your health and that quality sleep provides long-term benefits for your overall wellness.
Call or book an appointment online to learn more about sleep apnea and sleep risk assessments.