Quality sleep isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity. Our Getting to Sleep Guide can help. Learn more at AdventistHealth.org/PortlandSleepGuide or scan this QR code. Sometimes snoring is more than just snoring. Sometimes it’s a sign of sleep apnea, a potentially dangerous condition that, among other things, can be hard on your heart. The most common type, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), causes breathing to stop as much as 30 times or more per hour during sleep. “These pauses momentarily wake a person up, although they may not remember being awake,” explains Chad Hagen, MD, a board-certified sleep medicine specialist with Adventist Health Portland. “Breathing pauses can cause oxygen levels to drop, which puts a big strain on the heart and brain.” OSA also can increase the risk of: ● Heart failure ● High blood pressure Sleep medicine SCAN ME Get Free Sleep Tips Don’t Ignore That Snore It may be hurting your heart ● Atrial fibrillation (an irregular heartbeat) ● Type 2 diabetes ● Stroke Could I have OSA? “Loud snoring is the most obvious hallmark of OSA,” Dr. Hagen notes. “But if you live alone, you may not have had anyone tell you that you snore.” Other signs include: ● Stopping breathing while you’re sleeping. ● Waking up gasping or choking. ● Waking frequently. ● Having headaches in the morning. ● Feeling sleepy or tired during the day or having problems concentrating. How to treat OSA Your first step is to talk with your primary care provider if you suspect you may have OSA. The condition can be diagnosed by a sleep study or with an athome sleep apnea test. OSA can be treated with a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device, which involves wearing a mask while sleeping that keeps air pressure flowing in your airways so they don’t close down. It’s important to not shrug off OSA as just a snoring problem. Treatment is vital to your heart — and your overall good health. Sources: American Academy of Sleep Medicine; American Heart Association 10 LIVING WELL
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy ODQ1MTY=