Good morning, here is some information on sleep apnea that affects some 26 million Americans including children.  Please remember to complete your surveys and give us feedback on the SleepHealth App and Study at http://talk.sleeptember.org/

What is Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder characterized by brief interruptions of breathing during sleep, sometimes hundreds of times during the night and often for a minute or longer.   Left untreated, sleep apnea increases one’s risk for high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke and other medical conditions. 

Risk Factors for Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea occurs in all age groups and both sexes, but there are a number of factors that increase your risk, including:

·       A family history of sleep apnea

·       Having a small upper airway (large tongue, tonsils or uvula)

·       Being overweight

·       Having a recessed chin, small jaw or a large overbite

·       A large neck size (17 inches or greater)

·       Smoking and alcohol use

·       Being age 40 or older

·       Ethnicity (African-Americans, Pacific-Islanders and Hispanics) 

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

 

·       Loud snoring

·       Morning headaches and nausea

·       Gasping or choking while sleeping

·       Loss of sex drive/impotence

·       Excessive daytime sleepiness

·       Irritability and/or feelings of depression

·       Frequent nighttime urination

·       Concentration and memory problems

Have a great and restful weekend.

The SleepHealth Study Team