What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder where breathing is repeatedly interrupted, leading to poor sleep quality and daytime fatigue.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Photo by Kinga Howard

DEFINE – What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a sometimes serious sleep disorder which affects breathing, causing it to stop and start throughout the night.

BREAKING DOWN – Sleep Apnea

There are several types of sleep apnea, but the three most common are obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea, and complex sleep apnea syndrome. If you’re a snorer or you feel exhausted – even after a full night’s sleep – you could potentially be suffering from sleep apnea. 

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs due to the relaxation of the muscles in the throat. In contrast, central sleep apnea occurs due to a lack of communication from the brain to the muscles responsible for breathing. Lastly, complex sleep apnea syndrome is a combination of the two forms of sleep apnea. Complex sleep apnea is when an individual has both types of sleep apnea. 

The symptoms that can be brought on from suffering from one or more types of sleep apnea include struggling for air while asleep, waking up with a very dry mouth, an overwhelming sense of tiredness during the day, morning headaches, trouble staying asleep, and irritability. 

Some of the risk factors which will increase the likelihood you will develop a variation of the sleep disorder are age, heart disorders, excessive weight, alcohol, smoking, and being male.

Due to the serious nature of sleep apnea, it is always recommended that you see a doctor if you suffer from some of the symptoms described earlier.  If not dealt with, sleep apnea can lead to a whole host of more serious health problems, such as issues with the liver, high blood pressure, and metabolic syndrome.

At Athlete’s Choice Massage, our team of fully qualified massage therapists can help you deal with physical issues stemming from sleep apnea through massage techniques, so you can go about your day feeling like you got a great night’s sleep. Get the rest you deserve. Find out how we can help you by clicking the BOOK NOW button below.

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About Athlete’s Choice Massage

Athlete’s Choice Massage was created to provide consistently excellent rehabilitative services for health-conscious people. Our team is extremely well-trained and they take pride in their work. They are constantly striving to learn and better themselves in their respective fields so that they can help you recover and aid in the maintenance of your well-being.

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All appointments will begin with a short but in-depth one-on-one assessment. This is your opportunity to point out what area you’d like to work on during your time, as well as identify any special requests or concerns you may have. Should you have more than one area of concern, your therapist will prioritize the chief complaint and create a treatment plan for the time allotted and for follow-ups as needed.

Please note our 24 Hour Cancelation Policy.

With massage therapy being covered by many people’s extended health care benefits, it is now easier than ever to experience the positive effects of therapeutic massage.

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Frequently Asked Question

When a massage is administered, your body reacts to the pressure and movement of the massage therapist’s hands in a variety of ways. As your body relaxes, the massage prompts the release of hormones and Read More

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Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which a person’s breathing is repeatedly interrupted while they sleep. This can happen due to a blockage in the upper airway or a signaling problem between the brain and the breathing muscles. As a result, the person may experience brief awakenings throughout the night, leading to poor sleep quality and daytime fatigue.

 

Common symptoms of sleep apnea include loud snoring, gasping or choking during sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, difficulty concentrating, and irritability. Sleep apnea can also contribute to other health problems, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes.

A sleep study, also known as a polysomnogram, is the most common method used to diagnose sleep apnea. During a sleep study, various sensors are attached to the person’s body to monitor their breathing, heart rate, and other vital signs while they sleep. Based on the results, a healthcare provider can determine if the person has sleep apnea and the severity of the condition.

 

Treatment for sleep apnea depends on the severity of the condition. For mild cases, lifestyle changes such as losing weight, avoiding alcohol and sedatives before bedtime, and sleeping on one’s side may be enough to alleviate symptoms. For moderate to severe cases, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is often recommended. This involves wearing a mask over the nose and/or mouth during sleep, which delivers a continuous stream of air to keep the airway open. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct anatomical abnormalities that contribute to sleep apnea