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Diagnosing Sleep Apnea
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Diagnosing Sleep Apnea Screening & Treatment

If you're feeling like your sleep is more of a snooze fest than a restful recharge, it might be time to chat with your doctor about sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing or shallow breathing during sleep. These pauses in breathing can happen multiple times per hour and may last for a few seconds to minutes. The result? Disrupted sleep patterns, daytime fatigue, and long-term health consequences if left untreated.
If you are concerned about your sleep patterns or worry you have sleep apnea, then call Atlantic Physicians Group to schedule an appointment with a licensed physician today. We are also happy to arrange a walk-in for as soon as possible.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Before we get to diagnosing sleep apnea, let’s demystify the condition. Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by shallow breathing or pauses in breathing during sleep. These pauses, known as apneas, can occur multiple times per hour and disrupt the normal sleep cycle. There are two main types of sleep apnea.
Obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA, happens when the muscles in the throat relax too much during sleep, leading to a blockage or narrowing of the airway. This obstruction results in breathing pauses or reduced airflow and is often accompanied by loud snoring. Central sleep apnea, meanwhile, involves a lack of effort by the brain to send signals to the muscles responsible for breathing. This leads to temporary lapses in breathing without physical obstruction in the airway.

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Recognizing the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

Now that we understand what sleep apnea is, let's talk about how it manifests. The symptoms of sleep apnea can vary in severity but often include:

  • Loud Snoring: Especially common in obstructive sleep apnea, loud and persistent snoring can be a key indicator.
  • Pauses in Breathing: These pauses, often observed by a sleeping partner, can be followed by choking or gasping sounds as breathing resumes.
  • Daytime Fatigue: Individuals with sleep apnea may wake up feeling tired and experience excessive daytime sleepiness despite spending a full night in bed.
  • Morning Headaches: Waking up with headaches, especially in the morning, can be a symptom of sleep apnea.
  • Irritability and Mood Changes: Sleep disturbances can lead to mood swings, irritability, and difficulty concentrating during the day.
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Understanding the Risks of Sleep Apnea

To be clear, diagnosing sleep apnea in Brooklyn is about more than getting a good night’s sleep – granted, that’s a big benefit. The risks associated with untreated sleep apnea are significant and can impact both physical and mental health:

  • Sleep apnea is linked to an increased risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and irregular heart rhythms.
  • It can contribute to insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
  • Excessive daytime sleepiness from sleep apnea can impair cognitive function, increase the risk of accidents, and affect work performance and quality of life.
  • Sleep disturbances can contribute to mood disorders such as depression and anxiety.

Consult with a Healthcare Professional

Recognizing the symptoms, understanding the risks, and seeking timely diagnosis and treatment are crucial steps in managing sleep apnea effectively. If you suspect that you or a loved one may have sleep apnea, then call Atlantic Physicians Group to schedule a consultation with a licensed physician today. Our team is on standby to take your call or message.

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