Having Problems Sleeping? You May Have Sleep Apnea

If you are having problems sleeping this can affect your life in many ways. There many things that can cause this problem, one of which is sleep apnea. With this problem, your upper airway is blocked off and on while you are sleeping. Your breathing then reduces, or it can stop you from breathing at all for a few seconds at a time. Below is information about how a doctor diagnoses sleep apnea, symptoms you will have, and treatment options. You can then get a good night's sleep.

Sleep Studies

Sleep studies can help diagnose sleep apnea. Before the study starts, several electrodes are attached to your skin in different areas on your chest close to your lungs. Electrodes may also be placed on your upper lip. While you are sleeping the electrodes, record how many times your breath slows down, or you stop breathing. This is often done for one or two hours. Your oxygen levels are also tested during the test via your blood.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

The most common symptom of sleep apnea is feeling tired and sleepy during the day. You will also have problems with your concentration, attention, motor skills, and vigilance. You may have extreme dry mouth when you awaken due to the way you breathe at night. Because of this, headaches are common, especially when you first wake up in the morning. Sleep apnea can also decrease your libido, and you may have the need to urinate over and over throughout the night.

CPAP Machine

The most common treatment for sleep apnea is using a continuous positive air pressure (CPAP) machine while you are sleeping. This machine forces your airway to stay open, so you will not stop breathing while you are sleeping. The CPAP machine consists of a motor to run the machine, and hoses that deliver air to the mask you will wear while sleeping.

The CPAP mask is fitted to the size and shape of your face and head. This will ensure that it is comfortable for you to wear, so it does not affect your sleep. There are two different types of masks. One type is a mask that covers only your nose, and the other type is a full-face mask.

The doctor may suggest more sleep studies, so they can set the air pressure correctly. Once you have the CPAP setup, you will need to use it every night for it to work well for you. A sleep apnea treatments center can go over this information with you in much more detail to help you understand about this disease and the CPAP machine.

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