Sleep Apnea Facts

Men Are At a Greater Risk For Sleep Apnea

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man brushing his teeth looking at phoneMen have an increased risk of developing sleep apnea. This means it is very important for all you men out there to seek diagnosis and treatment immediately. Speak with Dr. Sunita Merriman about sleep apnea today, even if it is just a precaution. To further emphasize the importance of seeking a diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea, let’s take a closer look at sleep apnea and how it affects men.

What is obstructive sleep apnea? Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is caused by obstructed breathing, either due to too much tissue as seen in obesity or decreased muscle tone which may be seen with low testosterone. This inhibits the airflow in the mouth and nose which causes snoring and decreased ability for adequate oxygenation during sleep.  As a result, men often wake up numerous times during the night and rarely achieve deep sleep. Most cases of sleep apnea caused by low testosterone is considered to be OSA. While, OSA may primarily be considered a “man’s disease”, but it poses serious and even life-threatening health risks for women who suffer from it, too.

Un-diagnosed sleep apnea is linked to depression. According to research, men with sleep apnea appear to have a higher risk of depression. Men with un-diagnosed sleep apnea had more than double the risk of depression compared to those without sleep apnea, say researchers.  And, men who had both un-diagnosed severe sleep apnea and excessive daytime sleepiness, had an even greater risk of depression. It was shown that their risk of depression was up to five times greater than normal.  With that being said, it is key that we provide the services necessary for providing men with the diagnosis and treatment they need to overcome sleep apnea.

Seek treatment for sleep apnea now

It is important to gain a better understanding of the resources you need to make educated decisions about your health, which means proper screening for sleep apnea. By catching sleep apnea early, and providing proper treatment options, you can receive the care you need to remain healthy while also getting the rest you need or have been missing out on for so long.

Contact Dr. Sunita Merriman for more information on sleep apnea and how you can take the next steps toward improved health care.

The Size of Your Neck Does Matter in Sleep Apnea

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man searching online thinkingI’m sure you’re thinking, “wait, what? My neck size? Yes, absolutely. While it may not be known by everyone, neck size plays a pivotal role in the development of sleep apnea. So, why might your neck size increase your risk of having sleep apnea? Let’s find out.

It can lead to obesity

As an individual becomes more overweight or obese, one area of the body that becomes larger in circumference is the neck. When a large neck is in place, it is likely due to increased fat tissue elsewhere in the body, including the base of the tongue and lining of the airway. Other than having a large stomach, there will also be tissue crowding along the airway, especially in the throat.

When a person’s airway becomes narrowed, it is more likely to partially collapse, which causes hypopneas or, with vibration, the sound of snoring. It can even close off, leading to obstructive sleep apnea. If a person is experiencing enlarged tissues in the back of the mouth and throat, this can also contribute to the development of sleep apnea. A smaller lower jaw may push the tongue back into the throat and the weight of the next tissue itself may also lead to the collapse of the soft airway, especially if gravity contributes when the person is sleeping on their back.

What is considered too big?

Men may know their collar size from wearing dress shirts or suits, but women may not be aware of their neck size because they never need to measure their necks for clothing. To evaluate your risk of breathing problems in sleep, the circumference, or distance around the neck, is typically measured with a paper or plastic measuring tape at the doctor’s office.

In general, this is a risk factor for snoring and sleep apnea when the circumference is greater than 17 inches for men and 16 inches for women. Neck size can have a significant impact on your ability to sleep. Sleep physicians will often measure neck circumference since it can be as useful as height and weight to determine your risk of having breathing problems during sleep. In the right context of symptoms and other signs, it may be additional evidence to suggest the need for further evaluation.

By simply measuring your neck size, you may take the next steps toward better long-term health. Contact Dr. Sunita Merriman for more information on sleep apnea and how neck size might play a role in diagnosis.

What You Need To Know About Sleep Apnea

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man snoring wife frustratedYou might have heard it before, “Bill you snore like a freight train!” or “Karen, I can hear you across the house!” Snoring loudly can lead to bad jokes and middle of the night elbow jabs, but it is not a laughing matter. Loud, disruptive snoring may strain relationships, but it might also signal obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which can lead to high blood pressure, heart attack, diabetes and car accidents.

Whether you snore or have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, it is important to understand your symptoms and the treatment options available. Let’s explore the history of sleep apnea and what treatment is available through Dr. Sunita Merriman.

What is the history of sleep apnea?

It is estimated that 22 million adults in the United States currently suffer from OSA. However, about 80 percent of those with sleep apnea go undiagnosed. With so many people misdiagnosed, it is a big problem.

Sleep apnea was not designated as a disorder until the late twentieth century. However, records do indicate that symptoms were noticed and marked nearly 2,000 years ago. In the nineteenth century, doctors began to lump sleep apnea symptoms together using the name “Pickwickian Syndrome.” This was because of Charles Dickens’ “The Pickwick Papers,” in which an overweight character named Joe exhibited symptoms of what would later become known as sleep apnea.

Oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea treatment

The American Sleep Disorder Association endorsed oral appliance therapy as the third currently acceptable treatment modality for sleep apnea in 1995, and it continues to rise in importance. The largest numbers of people who suffer from sleep apnea are in the mild to moderate categories. For those who suffer from mild to moderate sleep apnea, oral appliance therapy might be an ideal treatment option.

Contact Dr. Sunita Merriman in New Jersey for more information on oral appliance therapy for the treatment of sleep apnea.

5 Sleep Apnea Myths and Facts

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attractive couple lounging in couchHave you found that you are tired during the day, but are getting the recommended amount of sleep each night? If so, you could be suffering from sleep apnea, which is a common disorder that causes frequent disruptions in your breathing, or shallow breaths while you sleep. These pauses can last from a few seconds to several minutes and can occur 30 times or more an hour.

To help you better understand sleep apnea, let’s take a look at some common myths and facts.

Myth: Sleep apnea is just an impressive word for snoring.

Fact: Snoring can be a sign of sleep apnea. But, it also might be an annoying sound that your bed partner makes throughout the night because the muscles in his or her throat relax too much.

Myth: People with sleep apnea know they have it because they’re jerked awake when their breathing stops.

Fact: Most people are unaware they have sleep apnea because they are sleeping when symptoms occur. Many people find out their breathing is affected by another who watches them or hears them while they sleep.

Myth: Sleep apnea is no big deal.

Fact: Sleep apnea actually is chronic and doesn’t allow the body to get the deep sleep it needs to function at its prime during the hours you are awake. If left untreated, it can increase your risk of serious illnesses such as high blood pressure, stroke, and heart failure. It is a chronic condition that requires long-term control.

Myth: Only people who are old or overweight get sleep apnea.

Fact: Sleep apnea can affect people of all ages and sizes. However, people who are overweight may be able to reduce symptoms by losing weight.

Myth: Alcohol is a good remedy.

Fact: Alcohol is not the solution. Instead, alcohol relaxes the muscles in the back of the throat, which blocks the airway. Sleeping pills have the same effect.

Effective treatments for sleep apnea might include simple lifestyle changes or oral appliance therapy. Contact Dr. Sunita Merriman to learn more about sleep apnea and oral appliance therapy in New Jersey.