Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts. You may have sleep apnea if you snore loudly and you feel tired even after a full night's sleep.

Sleep apnea is characterized by loud snoring (but all those who snore may not have sleep apnea), abrupt awakenings in the night accompanied by shortness of breath & dry mouth, drowsiness during the daytime (as sleep at night is disturbed).

People who are at risk of having sleep apnea include those who:

• Are overweight or obese

• Have neck circumference of greater than 17 inches (males) and 15 inches (females)

• Have High blood pressure, Diabetes, Heart disorders

• Have a narrow airway

• Have a family history of sleep apnea

• Are on high altitudes

Treatment for sleep apnea includes the following:

• Use of decongestants (prescribed by the Physician)

• Nasal continuous positive airway pressure (if
prescribed by the Physician)

• Surgery for any physical airway abnormality or
obstruction

Alternative treatment includes:

• Weight loss

• Avoiding Alcohol

• Avoiding sleeping pills, sedatives

• Avoiding sleeping on the back (sleep on your
sides)

• Elevating the head of the bed slightly