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Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a serious, potentially life-threatening condition that is far more common than generally understood. Its main feature is brief interruptions of breathing during sleep.

Sleep apnea is diagnosed when five or more breathing interruptions occur per hour of sleep. In severe cases, over 100 interruptions can occur per hour.

The consequences of sleep apnea range from annoying to life-threatening. The frequent interruptions of deep, restorative sleep can lead to excessive daytime sleepiness. Persons with sleep apnea may fall asleep while at work, on the phone, or driving.

Other consequence of sleep apnea include depression, irritability, sexual dysfunction, learning and memory difficulties, and early morning headaches.

It has been estimated that up to 50 percent of sleep apnea patients have high blood pressure. Although it is not known with certainty if there is a cause and effect relationship, it appears that sleep apnea contributes to high blood pressure. Risk for heart attack and stroke may also increase in those with sleep apnea.

In addition to the primary care physician, pulmonologists, neurologists, or other physicians with specialty training in sleep disorders may be involved in making a definitive diagnosis and initiating treatment.

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