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Sleep Apnea | What Is Sleep Apnea | Sleep Apnea Symptoms


Sleep apnea. This video is on what is sleep apnea, sleep apnea symptoms, sleep apnea treatment and causes.


This weeks video on sleep apnea I've received a lot of messages and comments to make a video on this topic and now it's finally ready. I really hope this video help you and always remember you’re awesome!


WHAT IS SLEEP APNEA:

Sleep apnoea is when your breathing stops and starts while you sleep. The most common type is called obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Around 1.5 million people in the UK are thought to have sleep apnoea, a condition that can deprive someone of sleep, often without them knowing.


Sleep apnoea causes its sufferers temporarily to stop breathing whilst asleep. Once the brain detects an interruption in breathing, it forces the person awake so that they can resume breathing. This cycle can repeat sometimes hundreds of times each night, surprisingly without the person being aware of it.


SYMPTOMS OF SLEEP APNEA:

Symptoms of sleep apnoea mainly happen while you sleep.


They include:

• Breathing stopping and starting

• Making gasping, snorting or choking noises

• Waking up a lot

• Loud snoring


During the day, you may also:

• Feel very tired

• Find it hard to concentrate

• Have mood swings

• Have a headache when you wake up


Information:

It can be hard to tell if you have sleep apnoea. It may help to ask someone to stay with you while you sleep so they can check for the symptoms.


WHEN TO SPEAK TO YOUR DOCTOR:

Please speak to your healthcare professional if you have any of the main symptoms of sleep apnoea:


• Your breathing stops and starts while you sleep

• You make gasping, snorting or choking noises while you sleep

• You always feel very tired during the day

• If someone else has seen you have the symptoms, it can help to bring them with you.


Sleep apnoea can be serious if it's not diagnosed and treated.


SLEEP APNEA RISK FACTORS:

• Being overweight

• Having a large neck more than 43cm in circumference

• Smoking

• Drinking alcohol especially in the evenings

• Having family members with sleep apnea

• Using sedatives

• Sleeping on your back

• Certain other conditions can also make you more likely to develop sleep apnea. These include an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), acromegaly, Down's syndrome and other conditions that affect your jaw, nose, tongue or airway.

• Children may be more likely to develop sleep apnea if they are obese, or if they have enlarged adenoids and tonsils.


SNORING VIDEO:

If you are just a snorer and sleep apnea has been ruled out by your healthcare professional. There are many things you can do which can help reduce your snoring. I did make a video on this topic not long ago, feel free to learn more here: https://www.YouTube.com/watch?v=d38V8o6uRH0


SLEEP APNEA TREATMENTS:

If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, your healthcare professional will explain all the different treatments available. Sleep apnoea does not always need to be treated if it's mild.


The most important thing to do is first speak to your healthcare professional to test for sleep apnea - They can then recommend the best treatment option for you.


CPAP machine

A CPAP machine gently pumps air into a mask you wear over your mouth or nose while you sleep.


Other treatments options that your healthcare professional may discuss with you.

Less common treatments for sleep apnoea include:


• A gum shield-like device that holds your airways open while you sleep (mandibular advancement device)

• Surgery to help your breathing, such as removing large tonsils


These treatments may not work as well as a CPAP machine. The most important thing to do is first speak to your healthcare professional to test for sleep apnea - They can then recommend the best treatment option for you.




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About Me:

Prescribing Media Pharmacist | Extreme Optimist | Bringing Science Through New Videos Every Week - Monday 4PM(GMT) YouTube.


I'm a prescribing media pharmacist who loves science, making videos and helping people. I work in both GP surgeries and community pharmacy.



Disclaimer:

This video is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. Abraham The Pharmacist has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but make no warranty as to its accuracy. Always consult a doctor or other healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions.



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