Jen Caudle
Dr. Jen Caudle returns to discuss a serious, but underreported medical issue – sleep apnea. It’s believed that apnea is a dangerous condition that many people don’t know that they have. Here’s more on the condition and how to treat it:
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a common disorder that causes your breathing to stop or get very shallow. Breathing pauses can last from a few seconds to minutes.The most common type is obstructive sleep apnea. Many don’t even realize this is happening during sleep.
The periods of stopped breathing happen due to a narrowing of the upper airway or collapse of the airway, often because the muscles in the back of the throat fail to keep the airway open, despite efforts to breathe.
This causes sleep quality to be poor. People with untreated sleep apnea don’t usually have great sleep. This can cause a person to be very tired during the day, to need naps, feeling unrefreshed once waking up, etc.
How common is it?
More than 18 million American adults have sleep apnea.
It is very common – but it’s not detected with an X-ray or blood test.
What are the symptoms?
Snoring may be an indication of sleep apnea. (but not everyone who snores has sleep apnea).
Falling asleep at work, while driving or at other times might be signs of sleep apnea.
Morning headaches.
Gasping for air during sleep, choking, or when you stop breathing during sleep (which partners sometimes recognize).
How is it diagnosed
The best way is through a sleep study in a lab
Why is it important to treat sleep apnea?
Untreated sleep apnea can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, obesity, diabetes, and heart failure. It also can increase the risk of work-related or driving accidents due to sleepiness.
Who is at risk for sleep apnea?
Those with a small upper airway (or large tongue, tonsils or uvula), overweight, have a small jaw or a large overbite, a large neck size (17 inches or greater in a man, or 16 inches or greater in a woman), smokers and alcohol users, being age 40 or older. Also, OSA may run in some families, suggesting a possible genetic basis. (National Sleep Foundation)
How is sleep apnea treated?
-weight loss can be helpful
– CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) device- this is the best
– other oral devices, surgery (not 1st line)
Dr. Jen answers your ‘Text Tom’ questions on the next page.
Do mouth pieces work?
For some they might be helpful. You should check with your doctor about what treatment is recommended for you.
During the sleep study, what if the patient cannot get comfortable enough to fall asleep to get an accurate reading for the test?
I understand that sleep studies can sometimes be a little uncomfortable, but express this to your doctor to see if they can give you any suggestions to help! The sleep study is the best way to really evaluate sleep apnea so these results are important!
(Editor’s Note: Sleep studies can be done in a sleep clinic or at home, which may be a more comfortable option.)
Can thyroid issues cause sleep apnea or does either one contribute to the other? … I’m ALWAYS tired, even when I just wake up.
They may not necessarily be related but they can both make you sleepy.
What do you recommend for cleaning the CPAP machine? I’ve seen the CPAP cleaning machine, but it’s expensive!
I recommend speaking with your doctor about specific cleaning instructions, or call the company that makes your CPAP for specific instructions.
Can one ever get rid of sleep apnea and not have to wear the CPAP machine anymore?
This is possible. Weight loss can be very helpful in improving sleep apnea.
Can someone turn the air pressure down themselves on their machine so there isn t so much air coming out?
I do not recommend altering your settings without medical advice. Your settings are specific to your condition- if you have concerns about your settings you should discuss this with your doctor before making any changes.
Can you please recommend a provider search one could use to find conscientious African-American providers like yourself?
At www.doctorsthatdo.org, you will help you find lots of amazing docs.
Dr. Jen, I am waiting for a sleep study to be scheduled as I have most of those symptoms. I’m wondering about daytime apnea as well. I seem to catch myself “not breathing” during the day and have to catch myself and breathe. This happens occasionally. Also, can you have insomnia and sleep apnea?
It is wonderful that you are keeping track of your symptoms- and its great that you have a sleep study that will be scheduled. In the meantime, I would let your doctor know about the other symptoms you have been having so that an evaluation can begin right away.
Hi, Doc.I always feel tired. I wake up as if I didn’t sleep. Sometimes I wake up with a choking sensation, though not often. Does that mean sleep apnea?
It could. You should see your doctor and get evaluated and possibly tested for it
My boyfriend snores extremely loud. So loud, I don t even sleep in the bed with him anymore because I won’t get any sleep. Many nights the snoring quiets and I try to go back to sleep, then out of nowhere, he does an extremely loud snort. He does not think anything is wrong. He did not always snore like this. To show you how bad it is, if I kick him out to the sofa downstairs, I can still hear him upstairs, with my door closed. Could this be sleep apnea?
YES this could be sleep apnea! He should see a doctor- definitely!
I was diagnosed with Sleep Apnea in 2010. In the beginning it was great, however, I’ve begun to have some of the same symptoms as before – tired, needing a nap during the day. Should I request another test?
You might need another test. First, go see your doctor and discuss your symptoms – you might need another test, or there could be something else making you sleepy. But definitely start by seeing your doc.
I just went thru a sleep study. I am a mouth breather and find it hard to use the mask. What can I do?
There are different types of masks and different techniques that can help the masks be easier to use. I would contact your doctor to discuss options that might be good for you.
I been using my CPAP machine for over 4 years now. Occasionally, I wake up feeling tired. I was wondering if I need to have my CPAP machine adjusted or repaired? Could the initial settings no longer be effective for me?
It is possible that the settings that you need now are different than what you needed 4 years ago. I would make an appt to see your doctor to be re-evaluated for your sleep apnea.
Dr. Jen is a Board Certified Family Physician and Associate Professor at Rowan University. She frequently appears as a health expert on The Dr. Oz Show, CBS 3 Philadelphia News, Fox News, CNN, HLN and others. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram!
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