Excess Deaths at Night – Obstructive Sleep Apnea Explained Clearly
Central sleep apnea (CSA): This type is caused by a problem with the brain’s signaling to the muscles that control your breathing. People with CSA may not snore, but they will often have episodes of not breathing during sleep.
Complex sleep apnea syndrome: This is a combination of OSA and CSA.
Sleep apnea can be a serious condition if left untreated. It can lead to a number of health problems, including:
High blood pressure
Heart disease
Stroke
Diabetes
Obesity
Depression
Memory problems
If you think you might have sleep apnea, it’s important to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Treatment options for sleep apnea include:
Lifestyle changes: Losing weight, quitting smoking, and avoiding alcohol before bed can help improve symptoms.
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP): This is a machine that delivers a stream of air through a mask to keep your airway open while you sleep.
Oral appliance therapy: This involves wearing a mouthpiece that helps to keep your airway open.
Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove tissue that is blocking the airway.
If you have any questions or concerns about sleep apnea, please talk to your doctor.
Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/education-and-awareness/sleep-health
Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sleep-apnea/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20377636
American Sleep Apnea Association: https://aasm.org/resources/factsheets/sleepapnea.pdf