Know the Signs of Sleep Apnea and What It Means for Your Health
November 08, 2024 | Tags:
What is sleep apnea?
You got a full night’s sleep. So, why are you waking up feeling exhausted? Sleep apnea might be the culprit. Sleep apnea is a disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts while asleep, resulting in a lack of oxygen to vital organs. This can present as:
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA): Muscles that support soft tissue in the back of the throat relax and narrow, blocking airflow into the lungs.
- Central sleep apnea (CSA): The brain fails to send signals to breathing-related muscles to work.
The drop in oxygen levels alerts your brain, causing you to wake up. “This can be as few as five or as high as 240 times during a full eight hours of sleep,” said Dr. Linda Paterson, Manager, Utilization Management Medical Director at Medical Mutual.
Sleep apnea can affect anyone at any age. Adults can experience common symptoms like loud snoring, gasping for breath, insomnia or feeling exhausted when waking up. Children’s symptoms present differently, such as bedwetting, frequent arm or leg movements, unusual sleep positions, heartburn or night sweats.
Why a good night’s sleep matters
"The constant interruptions to your sleep cycle can lead to disruptions in your everyday life that impact your health,” Dr. Patterson said.
Excessive daytime drowsiness, known as hypersomnia, can result in trouble concentrating, behavioral issues, like moodiness, irritability and depression, and an increased risk for motor vehicle and workplace accidents. There’s also an increased risk for severe or life-threatening complications, such as high blood pressure, heart problems, like arrhythmias, heart damage and heart failure, Type 2 diabetes and liver problems.
Treating sleep apnea
While sleep apnea is a chronic condition, many treatment options are available. Talk to your primary care provider (PCP) if you suspect you or a loved one has sleep apnea. You may need to be referred to a specialist.
Conservative treatments for OSA include lifestyle changes, like weight loss and avoiding tobacco and alcohol, over-the-counter products, medication changes and sleep aid items. Durable medical equipment, like a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, oral devices or nerve stimulators, can also alleviate symptoms. Coverage for these devices may be available through your Medical Mutual plan. Check with your PCP to see if this option is right for you. In some cases, surgery on the nose, mouth or throat might be necessary to address symptoms.
Need Help Finding a PCP?
Medical Mutual can help you find a PCP. Use our provider search tool at MedMutual.com/FindAProvider or call the Customer Care phone number listed on your member ID card to speak with a representative.