Why Are You So Tired During The Day?
One of the biggest factors affecting your quality of life, your health and longevity is the quality of sleep you get.
This five question quiz can help you determine if you’re suffering from Sleep Apnea, a very common disorder that currently affects the lives of over 20 million Americans.
However, this quiz cannot take the place of your doctor or a formal diagnosis, so if you feel you have health problems, please seek medical attention regardless.
1. Do you snore?
2. Are you excessively tired during the day?
3. Have you been told you stop breathing at night?
4. Do you have a history of high blood pressure?
5. Is your neck size greater than 17inches (male) or 16 inches (female)?
If you answered ‘yes’ to two or more of screening questions, there is a possibility you are suffering from Sleep Apnea.
There are two basic types of Sleep Apnea: Obstructive and Central. Obstructive Sleep Apnea is caused by the full or partial collapse of the airway causing your breathing to stop. Your lungs try
to breathe, but no air can get through. Obstructive Sleep Apnea is the most common form of sleep apnea and is often accompanied by snoring and heavy breathing. Central Sleep Apnea occurs when your brain does not send the signal that causes your lungs to breathe. As a result, you have no airflow and no chest movements. This condition can occur as a result of heart problems, brain injury, or a history of narcotic pain medication.
Because sleep apnea prevents air from entering or exiting the lungs, the oxygen level decreases and the heart is forced to work harder. Without treatment the sleep deprivation and lack of oxygen caused by sleep apnea increases health risks such as cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, clinical depression, weight gain and obesity. Sleep Apnea is easily treatable and is dangerous if left unchecked. If you suspect you or someone you know could suffer from Sleep Apnea, please instruct them to contact A Turning Leaf Home Medical. One of our organization’s board certified sleep technologists will make sure to get them in touch with a facility that tests for these disabling disorders.
Article provided by
Justin Peterson, BS, RPSGT
www.atlhomemedical.com
503-689-1597, 541-570-1868