At 4 Seasons Sleep in Milton-Freewater, OR, we care about your health—and that includes how well you sleep. Many people have trouble sleeping, but some don’t know the real reason why. One condition that often goes unnoticed is sleep apnea. It’s common, serious, and sometimes life-threatening if left untreated.
Let’s break down what sleep apnea is, why it happens, and how you can get help.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a condition where a person stops breathing for short periods while they sleep. These pauses in breathing can last a few seconds or even longer and happen many times throughout the night.
Most people don’t know they have sleep apnea. They might just feel tired all the time or be told they snore loudly.
Types of Sleep Apnea
There are three main types of sleep apnea:
1. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): This is the most common type. It happens when the muscles in your throat relax too much during sleep, causing your airway to become blocked. This makes it hard to breathe.
2. Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): This type is less common. It happens when your brain doesn’t send the right signals to the muscles that control breathing.
3. Complex Sleep Apnea: This is a mix of both obstructive and central sleep apnea.
Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Many people don’t even know they have sleep apnea until someone else notices. Common signs include:
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Loud snoring
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Gasping or choking sounds during sleep
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Feeling tired even after a full night’s sleep
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Morning headaches
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Waking up with a dry mouth
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Trouble focusing during the day
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Irritability or mood changes
If these sound familiar, it might be time to talk to a sleep specialist.
Why Sleep Apnea Is Dangerous
When you stop breathing at night, your body doesn’t get enough oxygen. This puts stress on your heart and can lead to serious health problems like:
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High blood pressure
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Heart disease
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Stroke
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Type 2 diabetes
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Memory issues
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Depression
Who Is at Risk for Sleep Apnea?
Anyone can have sleep apnea, even kids, but some people are more likely to get it. You might be at higher risk if you:
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Are overweight
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Are over 40 years old
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Are a man (though women can get it too)
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Have a family history of sleep apnea
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Have a large neck size
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Have nasal problems or blocked airways
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Smoke or drink alcohol often
How Sleep Apnea Is Diagnosed
If you think you might have sleep apnea, the first step is to talk to a doctor or sleep specialist.
They may suggest a sleep study, either in a clinic or at home. This test records your breathing, heart rate, oxygen levels, and how many times you stop breathing while you sleep.
At 4 Seasons Sleep in Milton-Freewater, we can guide you through every step of this process.
How Is Sleep Apnea Treated?
Good news—sleep apnea can be treated! Depending on how severe your condition is, there are a few different options:
1. CPAP Machine: This is a machine that blows gentle air through a mask you wear while you sleep. It helps keep your airway open. It’s the most common and effective treatment for moderate to severe sleep apnea.
2. Oral Appliances: These are custom-made mouthpieces that help keep your airway open by moving your jaw forward slightly.
3. Lifestyle Changes: In mild cases, sleep apnea can be improved by:
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Losing weight
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Sleeping on your side
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Avoiding alcohol or sleeping pills
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Quitting smoking
4. Surgery: In rare cases, surgery may be needed to remove tissue that blocks your airway.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore It
Sleep apnea might be silent, but the damage it causes is very real. If left untreated, it can harm your body, your mind, and even your relationships. You deserve to wake up feeling refreshed and healthy every day.
We’re Here to Help – 4 Seasons Sleep, Milton-Freewater OR
At 4 Seasons Sleep, we understand how important sleep is for a happy, healthy life. If you live in or near Milton-Freewater, OR, and think you or someone you love may have sleep apnea, we’re here to help. We offer friendly support, expert guidance, and access to trusted sleep solutions.