Also known as obstructive sleep apnea, this sleep disorder occurs when breathing repeatedly stops for 10 seconds or more at a time during sleep. This causes a decreased flow of oxygen to the blood and can cause people to awaken during sleep throughout the night. If your partner suffers from sleep apnea or another sleeping disorder, it can also keep you up at night, negatively impacting the quality of your sleep and health along with theirs.
There are a variety of causes for sleep apnea. The most common cause of obstructive sleep apnea in adults is obesity, as it affects the soft tissue in the mouth and throat. The throat and tongue muscles are more relaxed when we sleep, and excessive soft tissue can cause the airway to become blocked.
There are other causes of obstructive sleep apnea, many of them hereditary. Anatomical features such as a narrow throat, thick neck and a round head can contribute as well. Other contributing factors include hypothyroidism, allergies and a deviated septum that causes congestion in the upper airways. Other factors also include smoking, excessive alcohol use and the use of other sedatives.
If left untreated, obstructive sleep apnea can cause serious health issues including cardiovascular disease and even premature death. If your partner has any warning signs such as loud snoring and repeatedly waking up at night, you should encourage them to talk to their doctor. For more specialized care, visit the team of professionals at Sleep MD NYC for the best sleep apnea treatment in New York.
Effective Treatment Options
The American College of Physicians emphasizes that it really comes down to lifestyle modifications, especially weight loss, when you are looking to treat obstructive sleep apnea. Researchers spend considerable time looking at various sleep apnea treatment options and determined that current therapies are effective options that work.
Losing weight is the biggest positive change your partner can make in treating obstructive sleep apnea, according the experts from the ACP. They state that, “losing just 10% of body weight can have a big effect on sleep apnea symptoms. In some cases, losing a significant amount of weight can even cure the condition.”
Because weight loss is difficult and doesn’t necessarily happen overnight, many people use a CPAP machine which fits over the nose and mouth and blows air into the airways to keep them open at night when they sleep.
The ACP recommends the only sure remedy to sleep apnea is losing weight or surgery to remove the excess tissue from the palate or throat. Of course, you need to make sure your partner has been accurately diagnosed with sleep apnea and really explore their options with a qualified medical professional.
Using a CPAP Machine
For some, the remedy for a snoring partner is a simple CPAP machine. But, if the snoring is replaced by the humming of the machine and now that is keeping you awake, the National Sleep Foundation recommends contacting the manufacturer of the machine and asking for a longer cord. This will allow you to move the machine into a closet or other area where the sound won’t disturb you.
Sleep Apnea Treatment in New York
If you find yourself waking up frequently in the night and struggling with daytime sleepiness, you might suffer from a more serious sleep disorder like obstructive sleep apnea. If you think you might have a more serious sleep issue, contact the doctors at Sleep MD NYC for a consultation. Don’t let poor sleep habits or a more serious health issue keep you from getting the rest you need. The best sleep apnea treatment in New York is just a phone call away.
