Every night it sounds like there is a buzz saw being revved constantly from inside your bedroom, interrupted every so often by the sound of someone gasping for air. Even though this is not a Hollywood-inspired horror, but only your spouse, there is quite possibly some underlying danger to their nightly snoring and gasping routine because your spouse is exhibiting two of the classic signs of obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA.
CPAP therapy is the most common treatment for sleep apnea, and it will help reduce the risk of some serious health conditions.
OSA occurs when the soft tissue in the back of your throat obstructs your airway, causing you to stop breathing for a short period of time (called “apneas”). This can happen as many as 100 times per night, depriving your brain of precious oxygen. The real risks of leaving sleep apnea untreated lie in the cardiovascular system.
Numerous studies, including one conducted by the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, have shown that untreated OSA has severe implications for your heart and cardiovascular system. High blood pressure, heart disease, heart attacks and strokes all have their potentials increased when OSA is left untreated. It can also lead to higher risks of developing diabetes and depression. The best thing to do is learn the signs of OSA:
Loud snoring
Waking up gasping for air
Restless Sleep
Daytime fatigue
Moodiness
Morning headaches
If you or your spouse display more than one of these characteristics, go speak to your doctor immediately. He may recommend you for a sleep study, during which you may be diagnosed with OSA. From there, you will be given information in regards to the severity of CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) you need.
The Respiratory Therapists on staff at Juro’s Pharmacy Health and Wellness will help you find the right CPAP equipment for your therapy. On top providing top of line equipment, we can also provide sleep apnea screening. For more information on the screening or our CPAP therapy equipment, come by or contact us today!
