Sleep apnea is a widespread issue in America. In a world where busy is normal and even celebrated, and people are attached to their technology, sleep apnea may be overlooked. The disease is prevalent in about 18 million Americans, and about 2-4% of all Americans are undiagnosed. That means that one in 50 Americans is undiagnosed, and those with sleep apnea are four times more at risk of a stroke than those without it. Left untreated, sufferers are also three times more likely to develop heart disease. Read on for some tips to help you out with your sleep apnea!

Know the Signs.

One of the biggest keys of helping sleep apnea is being diagnosed early. This could mean taking a home sleep test or going to the doctor. Some of the most common symptoms of sleep apnea include: waking up with dry mouth, loud snoring, sleepiness or grogginess, waking up with headaches, and/or restless sleep. Sleep apnea causes can include obesity, issues with tonsils, birth defects, alcoholism, allergies, and/or many other factors. Read up on these causes, and if any of them describe you, check in with a doctor just to be safe.

Sleep Apnea Machine

Since sleep apnea is characterized by a person’s breathing being halted for ten or more seconds continually, many doctors will recommend a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine. This helps by keeping your airways open and correcting the amount of air pressure, allowing you to breathe unobstructed throughout the night. It greatly reduces the risk of apneas throughout your sleep.


Sleep Apnea Mask

Sleep apnea masks are incredibly similar, and sometimes a part of, CPAP machines. However, some patients like having the mask because it has a high and low pressure setting. Many people howevr, stick with machines because the mask’s pressure can make it difficult to exhale. This is currently being researched in more detail.