Wondering if a sleep disorder could be the reason for your chronic snoring?
So many people aren’t getting the quality sleep they need, and while stress and lifestyle may often be the culprit, other times its certain health or sleep disorders that may actually be to blame. If you suspect that you may be dealing with sleep apnea here in Chicago, our otolaryngologist Dr. Gordon Siegel and his team can diagnose and help you manage your symptoms.
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a condition that causes a person to stop breathing throughout the night. These cessations or pauses in breathing can occur for several seconds to minutes at a time and some people can have hundreds of these episodes in a single evening. While there are different forms of sleep apnea, the most common form (and the one we will be talking about from here on out) is obstructive sleep apnea.
Here are the warning signs of obstructive sleep apnea?
Sometimes you may not even notice symptoms but if you sleep next to someone they may comment that you are a loud or chronic snorer. They may also notice that you stop breathing or that you gasp for breath in the middle of the night. A lot of these symptoms occur while the person is sleeping, so they don’t even realize they are doing it.
However, besides these night-time habits, you may also notice,
- Extreme daytime sleepiness
- A sore or dry throat in the mornings
- Morning headaches
- Poor memory and concentration
- Insomnia or restless sleep
- Loss of energy throughout the day
- Increased irritability and mood swings
Who is at risk for sleep apnea?
While sleep apnea can affect individuals of all ages, it’s more common in men. It is also more common in older individuals as well as those with a family history of sleep apnea. Other risk factors include,
- Being overweight or obese
- Smoking
- Using alcohol or sedatives
- Nasal congestion (e.g. allergies; chronic sinusitis)
Does sleep apnea require treatment?
Absolutely! It is crucial that if you suspect that you may have sleep apnea that you visit our ENT doctor as soon as possible for an evaluation in our Chicago office. If left untreated sleep apnea has the ability to increase your risk for serious and potentially dangerous health conditions including heart disease and heart attack, stroke, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes.
Midwest ENT is a member of Northwestern private practice and specializes in ear, nose, and throat services and care in and around the Chicago area. If you or a loved one is dealing with symptoms of sleep apnea, it’s important that you schedule an evaluation as soon as possible. Call us today at (312) 988-7777.