Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder in which your breathing repeatedly pauses throughout the night. Each pause briefly wakes your body to resume breathing, often without you realizing it. While this can leave you feeling excessively tired during the day, the effects of sleep apnea go far beyond fatigue.
There are two main types of sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the airway becomes blocked or collapses during sleep. Central sleep apnea (CSA) happens when the brain fails to send the proper signals to your breathing muscles. Both types can be linked to serious health conditions like high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
Left untreated, sleep apnea increases the risk of stroke, irregular heart rhythms, and even heart failure. Common symptoms include:
- Excessive daytime fatigue
- Moderate to loud snoring
- Mood swings or irritability
- Confusion or slowed reaction times
- Increased risk of accidents
Because many of these effects develop gradually, sleep apnea often goes undiagnosed. Yet, it can significantly impair your quality of life — reducing work performance, straining relationships, and putting your health at risk.
If you suspect you may be dealing with sleep apnea, don’t wait. At Eastern Iowa Sleep Center, we specialize in diagnosing and treating sleep disorders to help you sleep better and live better.
Contact your provider today for an appointment and take the first step toward healthier, more restful sleep.