Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at what sleep apnea is, its symptoms and how it affects daily life and activities.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a condition that causes a person to temporarily stop breathing during sleep. There are two types: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central sleep apnea (CSA). OSA is the most common type and is caused by a physical blockage in the airway, while CSA is caused by a problem with the brain’s ability to control breathing during sleep.
Symptoms
Some common symptoms include:
- Loud snoring, choking or gasping during sleep
- Pauses in breathing during sleep
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Headaches in the morning
- Trouble staying asleep
- Decreased energy levels
Impact on Daily Life
Sleep apnea can have a major impact on a person’s daily life and activities. Even simple activities that you do every single day can be impacted by a lack of sleep.
Work and School
People often feel tired and fatigued throughout the day, even after a full night’s sleep. This can make it difficult to concentrate at work or school and can lead to decreased productivity.
Exercise
It can lead to decreased energy levels, making it difficult to engage in physical activities or exercise. Even the sports you love to play can feel extra draining and not worth the effort.
Driving
Your ability to drive can be seriously impaired by a lack of sleep. A lack of quality sleep contributes to mental unfocus, foggy eyesight and slower reflexes, all of which put a driver in a dangerous state of being. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “being awake for 17 hours is similar to having a BAC of 0.05%.”
Our team at Virginia Sleep & TMJ Therapy wants you to get the good night’s rest you deserve and have the mental focus and energy levels to perform necessary daily tasks. We can help you find the right treatment for your unique situation. Schedule a consultation today.
