Sleep apnea is one of the most common sleep disorders. According to the American Medical Association, about 30 million Americans are troubled by sleep apnea. The condition causes you to stop breathing while you’re sleeping. Here are answers to frequently asked questions about sleep apnea. 

A Guide to Sleep Apnea

What are the types of sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea comes in three main forms: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), central sleep apnea (CSA) and mixed/complex sleep apnea. The most common type is OSA, which occurs when the airway is obstructed due to relaxed muscles in the head and neck. CSA happens when the brain stops sending signals to the muscles that control breathing. Causes range from changes in elevation to other medical conditions, like nervous system damage and heart failure. Mixed/complex sleep apnea is a combination of both OSA and CSA. 

Who is at risk?

Sleep disorders like sleep apnea can affect people of all ages, from infants all the way to elderly seniors. You're more likely to develop obstructive sleep apnea as you get older, have excess weight, or have certain anatomical features like a large tongue and shorter jaw. Other risk factors include smoking, use of alcohol, nasal congestion, and an underactive thyroid. 

What are common symptoms?

The symptoms of sleep apnea vary, with some more apparent and discernible than others. They include fatigue, snoring, morning headaches, anxiety, or insomnia.

How is sleep apnea treated?

Treatments for sleep apnea depend on the type you have and the severity. For CSA, doctors typically focus on treating the underlying medical issue causing you to breathe abnormally. For OSA, conservative approaches include weight loss, changing sleep positions, oral appliances, and nasal adhesive strips. 

For either, a doctor may recommend continuous positive air pressure (CPAP) therapy. A CPAP machine uses a hose connected to a mask to deliver constant and steady air pressure that helps you breathe while you sleep.

If you are interested in a CPAP machine for your sleep apnea, turn to Hometown Medical in Vicksburg or Flowood, MS. We stock medical equipment and devices, and with the help of our knowledgeable experts, can help you find what you need. You can trust our team to help you get anything you need for your sleep disorders. Call (601) 933-4699 to speak with a team member, or visit us online to learn more about their services.