If you’ve ever visited a mattress store in San Diego, then you know how many options there are to help people get a good night’s sleep. However, some people have conditions that make it very difficult to have a restful night, even with a high-quality mattress. Sleep apnea is one of them. There are varying degrees of this sleep disorder that people can develop and one of the most common symptoms is snoring.  

In order to fully understand sleep apnea, let us first look at how snoring happens. Whenever anyone falls asleep, the muscles in their body relax, including the muscles in their airway. This leads to a narrower breathing passage. When the passage is especially small, the vibration of the air causes a snoring sound.

Sleep apnea happens when the airway passage becomes so narrow that it’s temporarily blocked. You may notice this in someone who is snoring, stops, snorts, and then starts snoring again. Essentially, the body is having trouble breathing. 

Fortunately, our brains can sense when this breathing trouble becomes too much and it will wake us up in order to allow our airway to expand. Some people may have experienced waking up in the middle of the night, gasping for air. This is likely the cause. 

Sleep apnea can become a problem if it happens too frequently, thus affecting your quality of sleep and overall health. People with sleep apnea have reported extreme fatigue during the day, even when getting the appropriate amount of sleep. They may also experience blood pressure fluctuations and hypertension. Other health risks as a result of sleep apnea include changes in mood, memory problems, changes in appetite, increased risk of heart attack and stroke, and weight gain. 

The best way to determine if you have sleep apnea is to recognize the symptoms and speak to a doctor. You may be asked to participate in a sleep study, where you will spend the night in a lab and have your breathing and oxygen levels measured with specialized tools. Most people that snore regularly and experience extreme fatigue during the day are good candidates for this study. 

In the case that you test positive for this condition, you will be given more information about sleep apnea treatment and preventative measures. One of the best inventions that have helped people with sleep apnea is the CPAP machine (otherwise known as a continuous positive airway pressure machine). This can be worn like a mask at night. Other people, with less severe forms of sleep apnea, may find relief in sleeping on their sides. This position can be achieved with the right pillow and a quality mattress from a San Diego mattress store. People with sleep apnea should avoid alcohol and other sedatives. 

Sleep apnea can have a significant impact on your overall health. So, if you suspect that you or a loved one has it, speak to a doctor about your symptoms and see how you can get your sleep schedule back on track.