Sleep is one of the most powerful tools we have for healing and staying healthy—yet millions of people unknowingly suffer from a condition that disrupts their rest every single night: sleep apnea. Often dismissed as just “snoring,” sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that can have major impacts on your health and quality of life.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea occurs when your breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. The most common form, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), happens when the airway becomes blocked, often by relaxed throat muscles or soft tissues. These interruptions can happen dozens or even hundreds of times per night, reducing oxygen flow to the brain and body.
Common symptoms include:
Loud, chronic snoring
Gasping or choking during sleep
Morning headaches
Daytime fatigue or brain fog
Difficulty concentrating
Mood swings or irritability
Why It’s Important to Get Tested
Because symptoms happen during sleep, many people are unaware they have sleep apnea. Left untreated, it can lead to serious health issues such as:
High blood pressure
Heart disease
Stroke
Type 2 diabetes
Depression and anxiety
Increased risk of accidents due to fatigue
A simple sleep study—either at home or in a sleep clinic—can diagnose sleep apnea. It’s a small step that could make a big difference in your health and daily life.
Treatment Options & Your Health
Treatment for sleep apnea can range from lifestyle changes and dental appliances to CPAP machines that help keep your airway open while you sleep. If you are overweight, weight loss can improve or even get rid of sleep apnea. Please reach out to our office for advice on weight loss and recommendations for sleep clinics for testing.
If you’ve been struggling with poor sleep, chronic fatigue, or any of the symptoms mentioned above, getting evaluated for sleep apnea is an important first step. Your health—and your rest—depend on it.