Sleep Apnea Frequently Asked Questions
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea, sometimes spelled sleep apnoea, is when you stop breathing during sleep for at least 10 seconds, with at least 5 such episodes per hour.
What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?
People with sleep apnea usually have the following symptoms:
• Loud, constant snoring
• Frequent body movements during sleep
• Waking up unrefreshed in the morning
• Extreme daytime sleepiness
How do I know if I have sleep apnea?
The only accurate way to diagnose sleep apnea is to spend a night in a sleep lab undergoing a polysomnogram (PSG) sleep study.
Is sleep apnea dangerous?
It certainly can be, in fact, it can be fatal. Sleep apnea also been linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and irregular heart rhythms.
What treatments are available for sleep apnea?
The most popular and effective way to treat sleep apnea is with the use of a CPAP machine, is the use which delivers air to your air passage via a nasal mask. For some groups of people, surgery is the most effective treatment available.
Can I buy a CPAP machine without a prescription?
No. To purchase a CPAP machine, you must have a prescription from your physician stating the air pressure(s) that the machine is to be set for, which can only be determined by testing.
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