It’s Not Just Snoring: The Dangers of Sleep Apnea

Perhaps you can’t take one more night of your partner raising the roof with their deafening snores. Or maybe you’re feeling like you didn’t get one bit of rest last night. Have you forgotten what it even feels like to be well-rested? 

These are just a couple of the signs of sleep apnea, a malady that’s not just inconvenient, but downright dangerous. 

Our team at Medical Alliance of Southern New Jersey has the experience and expertise to quickly diagnose and treat sleep apnea, if it turns out that you have it. 

With an emphasis on care that’s personalized, a diverse menu of services offered under one roof, and a remarkable near-century of combined experience, Medical Alliance of Southern New Jersey is the choice for sufferers of sleep apnea, and many other conditions. 

What is the difference between restless sleep and sleep apnea?

Many things can get in the way of a good night’s sleep, from that too-spicy burrito to tomorrow’s overflowing “to do” list. The difference is when you rarely feel sufficiently rested, whether it’s because of your own or your partner’s suspected sleep apnea. 

Technically, obstructive sleep apnea — the most common type — is defined as micro-periods when you stop breathing as you sleep. To be considered sleep apnea, breathing lapse events must last for at least 10 seconds each and occur five times per hour or more. 

Your hourly “breathing break” rate determines your condition’s severity. A serious condition can result in 30-plus instances where you inadvertently stop breathing. 

What causes sleep apnea?

The most frequently diagnosed form of sleep apnea, obstructive sleep apnea, happens when soft tissue, such as the tongue, creates an obstruction in your airway as you’re prone and sleeping.

Central sleep apnea is far rarer and usually associated with another serious illness. This type is caused by a misfire in your brain: It fails to send a signal for you to breathe, even though your airway is clear.

What conditions am I at risk for if I’m diagnosed with sleep apnea?

There are numerous health problems you’re at greater risk for if you suffer from sleep apnea, including:

• High blood pressure
• Irregular heartbeat and even heart attack, especially recurrent
• Type 2 diabetes
• Liver abnormalities

And even though simply “being tired” doesn’t sound serious, the exhaustion caused by sleep apnea can lead to negative outcomes, some serious: irritability, trouble paying attention, loss of productivity at work, and impaired driving.

What are the best, most current sleep apnea treatments?

Although surgical options exist for treating sleep apnea, clinicians rarely resort to them. Mostly, there are things you can do to improve your symptoms, like:

• Stop smoking, which can cause swelling in a part of your airway
• Lose weight
• Lessen your alcohol consumption or quit drinking altogether
• Don’t sleep on your back
• Use a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine nightly

With a CPAP machine, the mask placed over your nose and mouth is connected to a device that supplies you with a steady stream of air through your nose, which regulates breathing. Despite its odd appearance, the CPAP machine is comfortable and the key to a good night’s sleep.

The best treatment for sleep apnea is a combo of healthy lifestyle practices and the use of a CPAP machine.

Get started on the path to better rest and robust health

Each of our Medical Alliance of Southern New Jersey team members is invested in restoring your quality of sleep and overall health. If you’re diagnosed with sleep apnea, the solutions may be simple.

Our experienced and compassionate physicians create a treatment plan tailored to you and they value long-term relationships. We’re not going anywhere. Explore why you may not be getting the highest quality rest by calling our Vineland, New Jersey, office or request an appointment online.