Does your partner often complain about your snoring habits? You could be suffering from Sleep Apnea. Left unchecked, this could increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, diabetes, irregular heartbeat, obesity and motor vehicle collisions.
Sleep Apnea is a sleeping disorder characterized by periods of shallow breathing or pauses in breathing during sleep. Each pause can last for a few seconds to a few minutes and can happen many times a night.
In the most common form, this follows loud snoring. There may be a choking or snorting sound as breathing resumes. As it disrupts normal sleep, those affected may experience sleepiness or feel tired during the day. It can also lead to hyperactivity in children.
Treatment includes lifestyle changes like avoiding alcohol, losing weight, stopping smoking and sleeping on one’s side. However, if the problem persists mouthpieces, breathing devices or surgery may be required.