What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a potentially serious sleep disorder where breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep. If you snore loudly and feel tired even after a full night’s sleep, you might have sleep apnea.
If you think you have sleep apnea, talk to your doctor. Treatment can ease your sleep apnea symptoms and help prevent heart problems and other complications.
Types of Sleep Apnea
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Obstructive Sleep Apnea is the most common type of sleep apnea. It occurs when the tongue and other throat muscles relax during sleep, causing your airway to temporarily close.
Central Sleep Apnea
Central Sleep Apnea occurs when your brain forgets to breathe during sleep.
Complex or Mixed Sleep Apnea
Complex Sleep Apnea occurs when both obstructive sleep apnea events and central sleep apnea events occur during sleep.
Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
If you’re concerned about the quality of your sleep, you should talk to your doctor. Some of the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea overlap, making it difficult to determine which type you have. The most common signs and symptoms include:
Gasping for air during sleep
Waking up with a dry mouth
Morning headaches
Irritability
Episodes where you stop breathing during sleep, reported by another person
Daytime fatigue
Difficulty staying asleep
Difficulty paying attention while awake
Difficulty thinking clearly
Snoring, including snoring that is especially loud and involves gasping, choking or snorting
Sleep Apnea Treatment Options
There are a variety of treatments for each type of sleep apnea. Some patients experience symptom relief with CPAP, but studies show about 50% of people can’t tolerate or get consistent benefit from CPAP.1
If you have Obstructive Sleep Apnea and struggle with CPAP, Inspire may work for you. Watch the video below or visit the FAQ page to learn more.
You should always consult your doctor about your concerns. If you’re experiencing symptoms, they may suggest a sleep study or test.
Risks of Untreated Sleep Apnea
People with sleep apnea experience constant nightly interruptions and shallower overall sleep, which can lead to sleep deprivation. Untreated sleep apnea can be extremely dangerous. It can lead to serious health risks that affect a person physically, mentally, and emotionally.
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Daytime fatigue
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High blood pressure
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Heart attack
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Heart disease
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Diabetes
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Workplace and automobile accidents
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Stroke
How Does Inspire Treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Get comfortable, restful sleep with one click of a button.
Inspire works inside your body, allowing you to sleep without a mask or hose. At night, you turn it on by clicking the button on your Inspire Sleep Remote. While you sleep, Inspire delivers a gentle pulse to your tongue to keep your airway open. The result for most patients is comfortable, restful sleep. To learn more, watch the short one-minute video, or click below to see if you might qualify for Inspire.