Unlocking the Secrets of Sleep Apnea：Best Treatments?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder that can have serious health consequences if left untreated. Imagine, if you cannot breathe well year after years, your brain won’t get enough oxygen during sleep, what kind of damage may happen to your brain and your body? Storke, heart diseases, cognitive dysfunction, etc, name it yourself.

However, can you believe that some people live with this condition without a diagnosis for more than 10 years? Stacy is one of those who struggled with unexplainable sleepiness for years.

In the thought-provoking episode of "Deep Into Sleep" podcast, hosted by Dr. Yishan Xu, we meet Stacy Edwards, a remarkable individual who shares her personal journey of living with sleep apnea and hypersomnia since a young age. Her story sheds light on the symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and the crucial importance of raising awareness about this often underestimated condition.

 
 

What are some of the symptoms of sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea disrupts the flow of oxygen to the brain and body, leading to serious health issues. The consequences can be dire, ranging from stroke and heart disease to cognitive dysfunction. It's a startling realization that some individuals endure years of oxygen deprivation during sleep without even realizing it. Stacy's experience underscores the urgency of understanding the potential damage sleep apnea can inflict on the brain and body.

The symptoms of sleep apnea vary from person to person, making diagnosis challenging. Stacy shares her unique journey, describing her unexplainable sleepiness and chronic fatigue.

Snoring is commonly associated with sleep apnea, but Stacy's story highlights that it is not always present, especially in women. It is crucial to recognize that sleep apnea can affect anyone, regardless of gender or body type.

Interestingly, symptoms can manifest differently among individuals. For example, some people may experience a strange feeling in the throat. Others may feel excessive sleepiness during the day no matter how much sleep they got at night, and may benefit from frequent naps during the day. Also, some people have the urge to use the restroom frequently at night.

Here is a list of common symptoms of OSA for your reference:

  • Loud and Chronic Snoring: Intense and persistent snoring is often a significant symptom of sleep apnea. It is usually louder and more frequent than typical snoring.

  • Gasping or Choking: Individuals with sleep apnea may experience episodes where they wake up abruptly, gasping for air or feeling like they are choking. These awakenings are often followed by a moment of relief before falling back asleep.

  • Excessive Daytime Sleepiness: Feeling excessively tired or drowsy during the day, regardless of how much sleep was obtained the previous night, is a hallmark symptom of sleep apnea. This excessive daytime sleepiness can significantly impact daily activities, work performance, and overall quality of life.

  • Morning Headaches: Waking up with headaches, particularly in the morning, is a common symptom of sleep apnea. These headaches can be moderate to severe and are often relieved after getting out of bed.

  • Fatigue and Lack of Energy: Sleep apnea disrupts normal sleep patterns, preventing individuals from getting adequate restorative sleep. As a result, they may experience persistent fatigue, lack of energy, and a general feeling of exhaustion throughout the day.

  • Poor Concentration and Memory Problems: Sleep apnea can affect cognitive function, leading to difficulties with concentration, memory, and overall mental sharpness. Individuals may struggle to stay focused, make decisions, and retain information.

  • Irritability and Mood Changes: Chronic sleep deprivation caused by sleep apnea can contribute to irritability, mood swings, and increased anxiety or depression. It can also impact interpersonal relationships and overall emotional well-being.

  • Frequent Nighttime Urination: Some individuals with sleep apnea may experience nocturia, which is the need to urinate frequently during the night. This can disrupt sleep further and contribute to sleep fragmentation.


How to get a diagnosis and seek help?

Stacy's path to diagnosis began with a request for medication to combat her excessive sleepiness. However, she was advised to undergo a sleep study, a pivotal moment in her journey that revealed her sleep apnea.

Seeking help from sleep clinics and medical professionals is essential for an accurate diagnosis. By raising awareness about sleep disorders and debunking misconceptions, we can encourage individuals, particularly young women, to consider a sleep study if they experience excessive daytime sleepiness. Early diagnosis is key to managing sleep apnea effectively.

If you notice some of the symptoms, you can ask your primary care doctor to refer you to a sleep specialist, and the sleep specialist will help decide whether you should consider a sleep study, if so, whether you should try an in-lab sleep study, or at-home sleep study. If you want to learn more about sleep study, check out Dr. Yishan’s videos on this topic in English, and in Chinese.

Treatment for sleep apnea

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is a highly effective treatment for sleep apnea. Initially skeptical, Stacy had reservations about using a CPAP machine due to negative perceptions surrounding it.

However, she experienced a transformative shift in her life once she embraced CPAP therapy. For example, she found that CPAP therapy improved her cognitive function and positively influenced her dietary choices. Consequently, she experienced weight loss and overall improvements in her well-being.

Stacy emphasizes the need to change the perception of CPAP therapy, as it is a life-saving device that greatly improves sleep quality. Creating a positive mindset and receiving support from loved ones can foster acceptance and adherence to CPAP therapy.



In conclusion

Stacy’s inspiring journey provides invaluable insights into living with sleep apnea and hypersomnia. Her advocacy work aims to raise awareness, challenge misconceptions, and empower individuals to prioritize their sleep health. Her story serves as a beacon of hope for those struggling with sleep apnea, underscoring the significance of early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and community support.

Proper diagnosis, support, and awareness surrounding sleep disorders are paramount. Through her blog, Stacy continues to provide resources and support to individuals navigating sleep disorders, fostering a better quality of life.

Sleep disorders demand attention, understanding, and timely intervention. As we conclude this enlightening podcast episode, let us express our gratitude to Stacy for bravely sharing her experience and spreading awareness about sleep apnea. Her story serves as a reminder that addressing sleep disorders is essential for a healthier, more restful life. Together, we can unlock the secrets of sleep apnea and help countless individuals find the restful nights they deserve.



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