Citizens Memorial Hospital | Vitality | Summer 2020

COMMUNITY SLEEP MEDICINE Sometimes snoring is more than just snoring. Sometimes it’s a sign of sleep apnea, a potentially dangerous condition that, among other things, can be hard on your heart. The most common type of sleep apnea is called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It causes someone to stop breathing as much as 30 times or more during sleep. These pauses momentarily wake a person up, although they may not remember being awake. Breathing pauses also cause oxygen levels to go up and down, which puts a big strain on the heart. OSA also can increase the risk of heart failure, high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation (an irregular heartbeat), type 2 diabetes and stroke. WHAT CAUSES OSA? OSA is caused by the collapse of the airway in the back of the nose, mouth and throat during sleep. The vibration of the relaxed airway triggers the snoring. When the airway closes completely, it cuts off oxygen to the lungs. That’s what wakes someone up, gasping for air: Oxygen can’t get to the lungs and brain, and the body becomes oxygen-deprived. COULD I HAVE OSA? Loud snoring is the most obvious hallmark of OSA. But if you live alone, you may not have had anyone tell you that you snore. Other signs and symptoms you might have OSA include: » » You stop breathing while you’re sleeping. » » You wake up from sleep gasping or choking. » » You wake up frequently. » » You have headaches in the morning. » » You feel sleepy or tired during the day or have problems concentrating. HOW IS OSATREATED? Your first step is to talk with your doctor if you suspect you may have OSA. The condition can be diagnosed by a sleep study or with an at-home sleep apnea test. OSA can be treated with a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device, which involves wearing a mask while sleeping that keeps air pressure flowing in your airways so they don’t close down. It’s important not to shrug off OSA as just a snoring problem. Treatment is vital to your heart—and your overall good health. Sources: American Academy of Sleep Medicine; American Heart Association Want to snore no more? Contact the sleep medicine experts at Missouri Sleep Institute . Call 417-328-6631 to schedule your sleep study. ➜ Don’t ignore that snore It may be hurting your heart 14 VITALITY Summer 2020