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Not Feeling Rested?
It May Be Sleep Apnea

Extreme sleepiness during the day is the most common sign of a problem called sleep apnea. This breathing disorder actually causes people to stop breathing for 10 to 60 seconds at a time during sleep. When this happens, the amount of oxygen in the blood drops, and the brain must wake the person up so breathing can begin. Sometimes, this cycle happens more than 300 times a night. Other signs of sleep apnea include:

• Snoring, choking or gasping during sleep;
• morning headaches;
• trouble with concentration or memory;
• insomnia;
• frequent nighttime urination; and
• mood changes.

Risk Factors

In most people with sleep apnea, congested nasal passages or the tongue, palate or uvula at the back of the throat may limit airflow. Excess weight in the upper body also can block airflow. In some cases, the brain doesn’t signal the body to breathe when it should.

“Sleep apnea is more common in men, postmenopausal women and people who are obese,” said L. Pete Moore, M.D., diplomate of the board of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine at Sts. Mary & Elizabeth Hospital.

To reduce your risk, Dr. Moore advises avoiding alcohol, losing weight if you need to and not sleeping on your back.

A Serious Problem

Untreated, sleep apnea raises the risk of high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, irregular heart rhythms, heart attack, stroke, memory loss and even death. If you have symptoms of sleep apnea, talk with your doctor.