Sleep apnea is a serious concern for many families, especially when one member of the family snores quite loudly. Snoring is one of the first signs that an individual has sleep apnea. How can you spot other signs in a loved one? What can you do about the condition? Here is what you need to know about sleep apnea.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a health condition in which a person stops breathing when they are asleep. This can cause you to wake up quickly, snore, and also miss out on necessary sleep. There are many detriments to sleep apnea, including negative effects on the brain and body. When sleep apnea causes snoring, it can also impact those around you.

If you are not able to sleep well, you can experience the side effects of sleep apnea on a mental and emotional level. Other detriments are physical, including acid reflux and high blood pressure. You may also experience high cholesterol and fatigue.

Can You Spot the Signs of Sleep Apnea?

You will recognize many signs of sleep apnea if your loved one has a problem. The signs and symptoms include loud snoring, choking when sleeping, insomnia, and feeling like you have not slept even after being in bed for hours. People with sleep apnea often have headaches or feel sleepy or irritable when they get out of bed. They might wake up in the middle of the night often, which makes it difficult to concentrate the morning. Some people might even experience memory loss.

Some people are at higher risk for sleep apnea. People who are overweight and in middle age are more likely to experience the condition. Men are also more likely than women to have it as well. In some cases the issue is genetic.

What Can You Do About Sleep Apnea?

There are some ways you can address sleep apnea. Your priority should be ensuring you get enough oxygen while you are asleep. If you think you have sleep apnea, you should consult with your family doctor. A professional may be able to help you determine the cause of your sleep apnea and address the issue right away so that you can get back to sleep safely. You may need to have some polyps removed from your nose or sinus for this to happen. You may also benefit from a reduction in the size of your uvula or by removing your tonsils.

Learn more about treating sleep apnea by reaching out to local family medical care services. 

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