Sleep Apnea is a Silent Disease

Recent coverage on MedicalNewsToday.com highlights the importance of sleep. According to Dr. Lawrence Epstein, chief medical officer with Sleep Health Centers in Boston, “Getting a good night’s sleep is not just about feeling good. It’s good for overall health.”

If you’ve already been evaluated for sleep apnea, be grateful. There are many more people who have sleep apnea and aren’t even aware of it. Sleep apnea is a serious condition, but because it occurs while asleep, it is hard to diagnose. The National Institute of Health posts that about 1 in 15 people have sleep apnea but almost 80% those affected don’t realize the breathing pauses are taking place.

There are three types of apnea: obstructive, central and mixed. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common and is caused by a blockage of the airway, usually when the soft tissue in the rear of the throat collapses and closes during sleep.

Untreated, sleep apnea can cause high blood pressure and other cardiovascular disease, memory problems, weight gain, impotency, and headaches. It can even impact job impairment and traffic crashes.

The good news is that sleep apnea can be treated.