Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder which affects about 18 million Americans. While many people are aware that this disorder exist, a vast majority are uneducated on the specifics behind the disorder and how they can combat the effects of it. Read on for what you need to know about this scary disorder.
What is it?
Sleep apnea is a disorder in which a patient’s mouth or throat relax too much while they sleep. Sleep apnea causes the windpipe to be cut off because of this relaxation. When the patient stops breathing, they will often jerk awake due to the lack of air.
Why is it dangerous?
Sleep apnea is dangerous in two ways: the disorder itself and the lack of sleep caused by the disorder. Think of everything you’ve read about why not getting enough sleep is bad for you. Now, add in an increased risk for stroke, diabetes, heart disease and failure, and depression, just to name a few risks. This is why diagnosis and treatment is so important!
How can I treat it?
Initially, many compare BIPAP vs CPAP machines. This is because those are the two most popular treatments available for sleep apnea. Comparing BIPAP vs CPAP is relatively simple, because the machines are quite similar. The key is to find a treatment that works for you, and is something you will use. About 50% prefer nasal pillows, 45% prefer nasal masks, and 5% don’t really have a preference. In order to see results and keep your insurance coverage of the treatment, it is important to use something like a CPAP machine 70% of the time of a 30 day period, for no less than four hours per night.
