There are lots of reasons why people visit the doctor, but one of the most common reasons is issues falling asleep at night. The average person requires between seven and eight hours of sleep every night. If you do not get enough sleep, your body will have a difficult time recharging. One of the reasons why you may have a hard time falling asleep at night is obstructive sleep apnea. There are multiple treatment options available, and you need to know about all of your choices before you make a decision about what is best for your needs. What do you need to know about obstructive sleep apnea?
Your Body Stops Breathing at Night
If you have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, it means that your body stops breathing at night. One of the most common reasons why people are diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea is that they have a lot of extra tissue pressing on the airway. When you crawl into bed to fall asleep at night, this extra tissue could compress your airway entirely, making it difficult for you to breathe. Then, when that happens, your body wakes you up, meaning that you are not able to get the sleep you need. If you feel like you are consistently waking up with headaches in the morning, it might mean that you are suffering from obstructive sleep apnea.
A CPAP Machine Can Help
There are plenty of treatment options available, and one option is a CPAP machine. This stands for continuous positive airway pressure. Just as there is pressure pressing on the airway, causing it to collapse, a CPAP machine will generate pressure from the inside, helping you keep your airway open. The goal is relatively simple. If your airway stays open at night, you can keep breathing. At the same time, there are some potential side effects that you might notice with a CPAP machine. For example, it might not be very comfortable on your face, and it could cause your nose to dry out. You might even want to learn more about the Philips CPAP lawsuit here. Talk with your doctor to make sure you choose a solid CPAP machine.
Other Options Are Available
Even with a CPAP machine, you may have a difficult time falling asleep and staying asleep. Fortunately, there are plenty of other options as well. For example, you might want to invest in a different bed or pillow that can make it easier for your airway to stay open. You may also want to visit the dentist to see if there are any anatomical issues in your mouth that can be addressed. There are some causes of obstructive sleep apnea that can be corrected using surgery, but this is not always required. Make sure you talk with the doctor to learn about all of the options available to you. You need to find an effective treatment that will minimize side effects.
Consider Reaching Out To a Professional
Ultimately, these are just a few of the most important points you need to know regarding obstructive sleep apnea. obstructive sleep apnea is one of the most common reasons why people have a hard time falling asleep at night, so you may want to talk to a doctor about your treatment options as well. Your doctor can review all of your symptoms, talk about your treatment choices, and help you make the right decision for your needs. Do not feel like you need to face this issue on your own. There are experts who are willing to lend a helping hand to those in need.