About this topic
Sleep apnea is a common sleep problem. Your breathing stops or gets very shallow for 10 to 30 seconds while you are sleeping. There are two types of sleep apnea. You may have one or both types. ‚
- Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common. It happens when your throat muscles relax and block your airway.
- Central sleep apnea is less common. It happens when your brain does not send signals to the muscles that control your breathing.
With either type of sleep apnea, the amount of oxygen in your blood may drop. This results in poor sleep and makes you tired during the day. ‚
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What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Your doctor may order a mouthpiece or a CPAP machine for you. CPAP stands for continuous positive airway pressure. You need to use the mouthpiece or CPAP each time you sleep to reduce problems from sleep apnea. Be sure to learn how to clean, store, and take care of your equipment.
- Sleep on your side instead of on your back. This will help keep your throat open.
- Do not smoke or drink beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol). These tend to make sleep apnea worse.
- Do not take any drugs to help you sleep. These tend to make sleep apnea worse.
- Keep a healthy weight. If you are overweight, losing weight can help. It may decrease tissue, widen your nasal passages, and let more air flow through your nose.
- Make your bed partner aware of your condition. Let your partner know how to help if you have an episode where you stop breathing.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. Ask your doctor about more treatment that you may need. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
- Talk with your doctor about nasal sprays or allergy drugs that can keep your nasal passages open.
- Ask your doctor if there are other drugs you will need to take.
- Take your drugs as ordered by your doctor.
- Do not stop taking the drugs without telling your doctor.
Will physical activity be limited?
You may have to limit your activity if you are sleepy during the day. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. ‚
What problems could happen?
- High blood pressure
- Heart failure
- Stroke
- Traffic accidents from driving while sleepy
When do I need to call the doctor?
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
- You have concerns about your condition
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you ways to help with sleep apnea and to keep my throat open.
- I can tell you what problems I may have if my sleep apnea is not treated.
Where can I learn more?
FamilyDoctor.org ‚
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/sleep-apnea.printerview.all.html ‚
Canadian Lung Association ‚
http://www.lung.ca/diseases-maladies/apnea-apnee_e.php ‚
National Heart Lung and Blood Institute ‚
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/sleepapnea/ ‚
National Sleep Foundation ‚
http://www.sleepfoundation.org/article/sleep-related-problems/obstructive-sleep-apnea-and-sleep ‚
National Organization for Rare Diseases ‚
http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/68/viewAbstract ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚