Other Symptoms of Sleep
Apnea
-
Waking up with a headache -
Irritability and a short temper -
Problems with concentration or memory -
Waking up tired, even after a full night's sleep -
Feeling very sleepy or falling asleep at inappropriate times
(such as at work or while driving your car)
Interesting Facts &
Information
-
15 million
Americans suffer from chronic insomnia
-
People who snore have greater tendencies to gain weight -
60 million Americans suffer from significant sleep disorders -
Sleep apnea is more common in the adult population than is asthma -
Sleep disorders cost the U.S. economy over 18 billion dollars each
year -
Obstructive Sleep Apnea is considered the most common chronic
illness in the U.S. -
If your neck size is over 16.5" and you snore there is a 30%
chance you have sleep apnea -
The DOT (Department of Transportation) estimates that 200,000
reported vehicular accidents each year may be sleep relate
What are the factors affecting sleep
apnea?
Obesity
A person is considered obese when
his or her body weight is more than 20% of the average weight based
on the height. Sleep apnea is often associated with obesity. However
it is quite possible for an individual to have sleep apnea and not
be overweight.
It is highly recommended for
patients who suffer from sleep apnea or snoring to modify and
normalize their body weight, if possible. In doing that, they may
not require any treatment for sleep apnea. It has been proven that
sleep apnea could be self corrected by weight loss. Unfortunately
the snoring could continue if the cause of it is the enlarged uvula
or tonsils and chronic nasal obstruction.
Our personal evaluation of over
4000 patients in fact confirms that weight loss, although may help
to eliminate or reduce the intensity of sleep apnea, may not
significantly affect the snoring of a patient, surgical correction
of a snoring with laser has been proven most effective for
elimination of snoring.
Alcohol
Drinking alcohol, especially at night, disturbs the quality of
your sleep. It also makes the tissues in the back of your throat
more prone to collapse when you breathe in and out. It is highly
recommended that alcoholic beverages should not be consumed several
hours prior to sleep.
Sedatives
Like alcohol, sedatives alter
your sleep. They should not be taken by patients who suffer from
sleep apnea as this may intensify or worsen the condition of sleep
apnea. It should only be used as prescribed by a physician.
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