What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a potentially serious sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. It affects an estimated 22 million Americans, with 80% of cases undiagnosed.
Warning Signs
- Loud, chronic snoring
- Gasping or choking during sleep
- Morning headaches
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Difficulty concentrating
- High blood pressure
- Waking with dry mouth
Health Risks
Untreated sleep apnea increases risk of heart disease by 140%, stroke by 60%, type 2 diabetes by 50%, and motor vehicle accidents by 7x.
Treatment Options
CPAP Therapy: The gold standard treatment — a machine delivers continuous air pressure through a mask.
Oral Appliances: Devices that reposition the jaw to keep airways open.
Lifestyle Changes: Weight loss (even 10% reduction helps), side sleeping, avoiding alcohol before bed.
Surgery: For severe cases or when other treatments fail.
