Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder characterized by repeated pauses in breathing during sleep. These pauses, called apneas, can last from a few seconds to a few minutes and occur multiple times throughout the night. Left untreated, sleep apnea can have serious consequences for an individual's health and wellbeing.

Symptoms and When to Seek Care

The most common symptoms of sleep apnea include loud snoring, gasping or choking during sleep, daytime fatigue and sleepiness, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. If you experience these symptoms on a regular basis, it's important to seek medical attention. Untreated sleep apnea can lead to a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, and other health complications.

Types of Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea happens when your upper airway becomes blocked many times while you sleep, reducing or completely stopping airflow. This is the most common type of sleep apnea. Anything that could narrow your airway such as obesity, large tonsils or changes in your hormone levels can increase your chances of getting sleep apnea. 

Central sleep apnea happens when your brain does not send the signals needed to breathe. Health conditions that affect how your brain controls your airway and chest muscles can cause central sleep apnea. 

Sleep Apnea Diagnosis at Cape Fear Valley Health

The process of diagnosing sleep apnea typically begins with a comprehensive medical evaluation, including a review of symptoms and a physical examination. This is often followed by a sleep study, where the individual's breathing, oxygen levels, and other vital signs are monitored overnight in a sleep lab or at home.

Sleep Apnea Treatment at Cape Fear Valley Health

The primary treatment approach for sleep apnea is to address the underlying cause of the condition. For obstructive sleep apnea, this often involves the use of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, which delivers a steady stream of air to keep the airway open during sleep. In some cases, oral appliances, surgery, or lifestyle changes like weight loss may also be recommended.