Category Archives: Sleep Apnea Symptoms

Sleep Apnea: A Pregnancy Risk for Women

Because men are twice as likely to develop obstructive sleep apnea as women, it’s often thought of as a “male disease.” While most risk factors for the disease apply to men, research is showing that more and more women are also at risk for the sleep disorder. In fact, an exclusively female condition can often cause sleep apnea symptoms—and that condition is pregnancy.

Unfortunately, suffering from sleep apnea during pregnancy can have dangerous effects on both mother and child.

For pregnant women, sleep apnea can be the caused by the many hormonal changes in the female body during pregnancy, as well as the weight gain associated with pregnancy. The resulting periods of no breathing during the night create a lack of oxygen, putting the female mind into “fight or flight” mode.

The body then pumps out massive amounts of adrenaline and cortisol, leading to blood pressure increases (possible preeclampsia) as well as immense glucose production, heightening the risk of diabetes. There is greater risk for women who are already heavy before pregnancy and become obese through weight gain.

A study by the University of South Florida found that newborns whose mothers are diagnosed with sleep apnea are far more likely to wind up in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit), most commonly from respiratory distress. This was thought to be because of the increase in C-section births from mothers with sleep apnea.

While sleep apnea symptoms can develop during pregnancy, they can also go away after the birth occurs because the hormones become balanced again and the baby weight comes off.

As a CPAP equipment provider, CPAP Central encourages pregnant mothers and their partners to know the signs of sleep apnea so that the right steps can be taken for treatment. This can help ensure better health for you and your child.

Sleep Apnea and Seniors

Sleep Apnea is becoming more common among older adults. Here’s what you need to know.

September is Healthy Aging Month. At CPAPCentral.com, we know that sleep plays a huge role in your overall health. Getting enough sleep can give you the energy you need to get through the day and improve your body’s overall performance. Sleep becomes even more important as we age, because our bodies naturally lose the energy that was once so abundant with younger age.

Sleep disorders like sleep apnea affect people of all ages, but can have a more profound impact on seniors. In fact, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine recently conducted a study showing that 20 percent of older adults are affected by sleep apnea. There have even been studies showing a possible link between sleep apnea and Alzheimer’s disease. To help seniors with sleep apnea, CPAPCentral.com brings you these management tips.

Know What Symptoms to Look for

While there is no one symptom that automatically indicates sleep apnea, there are signs to watch out for. Chief among these symptoms is snoring, especially snoring that is accompanied by gasping or long periods between breathing. Other symptoms to watch out for include daytime drowsiness, a lethargic attitude, mood changes, and waking up frequently at night.

See a Doctor

No one likes going to the doctor, but if you’re experiencing symptoms associated with a sleep disorder, it’s time to make an appointment. Be honest about your symptoms so your doctor has as much information as possible to make a diagnosis. You may be asked to complete a sleep test, which can be conducted in a lab or at home, to get a more definitive diagnosis.

Embrace CPAP Therapy

Sleep apnea treatment has become much more effective in recent years, thanks in large part to advances made in CPAP therapy, which helps make sure air is passing through your airway while you sleep if you have sleep apnea. CPAP therapy can help relieve the symptoms of sleep apnea and make sure you’re well-rested so you have the energy to do the things you love.

CPAPCentral.com is here for patients of all ages who have been diagnosed with sleep apnea. We offer a wide variety of CPAP machines, CPAP masks and other accessories to make sure your treatment is effective. Contact us to learn more.

Seeing the Signs: Recognizing Sleep Apnea Signs

Recognizing the signs of sleep apnea is important to diagnosing the condition.

There are millions of Americans that have been diagnosed with various forms of sleep apnea, but millions more are unaware that they are dealing with sleep apnea’s effects. CPAPCentral.com believes it is important for you to recognize the signs of sleep apnea so you are able to get the help and treatment you need to treat your specific case of sleep apnea.

If you find yourself experiencing one or more of these symptoms, you should get in touch with your doctor, as these symptoms can have a profound impact on your health.

Excessive daytime sleepiness: Going to sleep at night is supposed to help refresh you and give you renewed energy for the next day. But for people with sleep apnea, that’s not the case. If you find yourself feeling tired when you wake up in the morning after a full night’s sleep, or if you are unable to concentrate at work because you’re so tired, it could be a sign of sleep apnea.
Waking up feeling short of breath: Obstructive sleep apnea is one of the most common forms of the disorder, a form that causes your throat muscles to relax when you’re asleep. This forces your airway to close. If you wake up suddenly and you feel out of breath, it’s a serious sign and you need to consult your physician immediately.
Loud snoring: When most people think of sleep apnea, the first thing that comes to mind is someone snoring loudly. Not all people with sleep apnea snore, but it is a strong indicator. Loud snoring, especially if it is accompanied by a gasping sound or a brief pause in breathing, can be a sign that you have sleep apnea.

If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, CPAPCentral.com is here to help you sleep better. With CPAP machines, CPAP masks, and other accessories, we can help you breath easier and get a quality night’s sleep.