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It’s very common in adults and increases with age. Sleep apnea is prevalent in almost 30% of people in America between the ages of 30 and 70 years old.Jessica Bowman spoke with a CNOS Neurologist and Sleep Specialist about the reading results following a test and what treatments are recommended for patients.
“It’s a massive global type of quality-of-life issue to have untreated sleep apnea,” said Dr. James Case, M.D. CNOS Neurologist and Sleep Specialist, Dr. James Case says a person is more likely to have sleep apnea with increasing weight. “The obesity epidemic in our country has been a factor. About 3% of people with normal weight have sleep apnea, about 20% of folks with increased weight,” said Dr. Case.
The brain needs normal oxygen while you sleep. So, if you have a pause or obstruction in your breathing, Dr. Case says, the brain can either choose to keep sleeping and lose oxygen or wake up. “Many times at night the person is diving up for air, waking up briefly. Going back, not realizing they are waking up. But that fragmentation is hard both on the brain and on health,” said Dr. Case.
From depression to anxiety, sleep apnea can cause many long-term health complications. “From a body standpoint, having sleep apnea increases your risk of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, heart rhythm disturbance such as atrial fibrillation and even diabetes,” said Dr. Case. Once a sleep study is complete, doctors are able to indicate problem areas through the sleep data.
“Where we are involved is, we will read those sleep studies and communicate those results back to the doctor. But most of the sleep apnea testing can be done in the primary care level,” said Dr. Case. The dedicated team of doctors at CNOS works with providers and patients to navigate the appropriate treatment. “The treatments include lifestyle changes, breathing devices, dental appliances and surgery. Pretty much in that order. The lifestyle changes include weight loss. If you’re a smoker, quit smoking. Avoid alcohol especially in those hours before sleep. It’s a respiratory depressant. Regular exercise would be another thing to recommend, that might help with sleep apnea symptoms,” said Dr. Case.
Dr. Case says as a patient, you can screen yourself at home to see if you have sleep apnea by using the method listed below. Some sleep apnea patients, who qualify, are trading in the breathing devices for a surgical implant. Next week, on Healthbeat 4, we look at the options and who doctors say are considered, good candidates.