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Sleep apnea is a common but serious sleep disorder that disrupts breathing throughout the night, leading to poor sleep quality and long-term health risks. If you or someone you know wakes up feeling tired despite getting a full night’s rest, sleep apnea could be the culprit.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea occurs when breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. The most common type is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), where the throat muscles relax too much, blocking the airway. This can cause:
- Loud snoring – One of the most noticeable symptoms, often reported by bed partners.
- Gasping or choking during sleep – The body’s natural response to oxygen deprivation.
- Frequent nighttime awakenings – Many people with sleep apnea don’t remember waking up, but they experience sleep fragmentation.
- Excessive daytime sleepiness – Feeling drowsy, fatigued, or struggling to stay alert during the day.
- Morning headaches – Oxygen deprivation during sleep can lead to headaches upon waking.
- Difficulty concentrating – Poor sleep quality affects cognitive function, making it harder to focus.
- Irritability and mood swings – Sleep deprivation can contribute to anxiety, depression, and mood instability.
How Sleep Apnea Impacts Your Health
Beyond just feeling tired, untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious health concerns, including:
- High blood pressure – Frequent drops in oxygen levels strain the cardiovascular system, increasing the risk of hypertension.
- Heart disease & stroke – Sleep apnea is linked to an elevated risk of heart attacks, irregular heart rhythms, and strokes.
- Diabetes – Poor sleep can affect insulin resistance, raising the risk of type 2 diabetes.
- Weight gain – Sleep deprivation disrupts hormones that regulate appetite, increasing cravings for unhealthy foods.
- Memory & focus issues – Interrupted sleep affects cognitive function, reducing mental clarity and increasing forgetfulness.
- Weakened immune system – Poor sleep can make you more susceptible to infections and illnesses.
What You Can Do About Sleep Apnea
If you suspect you have sleep apnea, here’s how you can take action:
1. Get Tested
A sleep study (either at a clinic or at home) can diagnose sleep apnea. At-home sleep tests provide a convenient way to check for sleep apnea while sleeping in your own bed. These tests monitor your breathing patterns, oxygen levels, and heart rate to detect potential sleep disturbances.
At Remologie, we offer at-home sleep testing to help diagnose sleep disorders like sleep apnea. You can sign up for a test through our website to take the first step toward better sleep health.
2. Use CPAP Therapy
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy is the gold standard for treating sleep apnea. A CPAP machine delivers a steady stream of air through a mask, keeping your airway open and preventing breathing interruptions. Benefits of CPAP therapy include:
- Improved sleep quality and daytime energy
- Reduced risk of cardiovascular complications
- Lower blood pressure
- Better overall health and well-being
For those who find CPAP challenging, alternative treatments such as oral appliances or surgery may be options.
3. Make Lifestyle Changes
Certain habits can help reduce sleep apnea symptoms and improve sleep quality:
- Maintain a healthy weight – Excess weight, particularly around the neck, can contribute to airway obstruction.
- Sleep on your side – Sleeping on your back can cause the tongue and soft tissues to collapse into the airway.
- Avoid alcohol and sedatives before bed – These substances relax the throat muscles, worsening sleep apnea.
4. Seek Professional Guidance
If you think you might have sleep apnea, don’t wait to take action. A sleep specialist can guide you through diagnosis and treatment options to improve your sleep and overall well-being.
Better sleep starts with awareness—if you or a loved one struggles with sleep apnea, now is the time to explore solutions. Want to learn more? Visit remologie.ca/how-it-works/home-test/ to learn more about our At-Home Sleep Testing.
