Sleep apnea is a type of sleep disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It causes interruptions in breathing during sleep, leading to poor sleep quality and a negative impact on overall health.
To better understand this condition, Sayidaty spoke with 54-year-old Wafa, who had been suffering from sleep apnea but was able to control it thanks to proper treatment. Below, we share her experience and the key takeaways.
A Real Experience with Sleep Apnea
Wafa shares, "My struggle with sleep apnea began with indirect signs. I was feeling extremely tired and fatigued during the day, even though I was getting enough sleep at night." She continued, "My husband noticed that I was snoring loudly, and sometimes I would stop breathing for a few seconds during sleep. I didn’t realize the seriousness of these symptoms until I began suffering from constant morning headaches and high blood pressure."
According to the National Sleep Foundation, loud snoring is one of the primary signs of sleep apnea, and excessive daytime fatigue can be an important indicator of a sleep disorder.
Sleep Apnea Requires a Doctor's Visit
In Wafa's case, she did not immediately visit a doctor. However, after the symptoms persisted, she decided to consult a sleep specialist. "The doctor asked me to undergo a comprehensive sleep test that monitored physical activities such as breathing, oxygen levels in the blood, eye movements, and brain waves during sleep."
Wafa explains, "The test results showed that I had obstructive sleep apnea." According to Mayo Clinic reports, this is the most common type of sleep apnea, caused by a blockage in the upper airway due to the relaxation of throat muscles during sleep.
Complications of Sleep Apnea
Wafa revealed that the disorder affected not just her sleep but also her daily life. "I struggled with poor concentration, mood swings, and difficulty completing daily tasks. I also noticed weight gain during this time, which the doctor confirmed could be both a cause and a complication of the disorder."
A study published in the Chest Journal showed a strong link between sleep apnea and obesity, with obesity increasing the risk of this disorder by up to 70%.
Treatment for Sleep Apnea
According to Wafa's experience, the treatment involved several steps. Full recovery was achieved by combining these steps:
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Weight Loss: The first recommendation from her doctor was weight loss, as reducing fat in the neck area can help prevent airway blockages. Wafa found that exercise and a balanced diet greatly assisted her, even at her age.
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Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): The doctor recommended using a CPAP machine, which helps keep the airway open by delivering a continuous stream of air through a mask worn during sleep. Wafa recalls, "While the machine was extremely effective in improving my sleep quality and reducing symptoms, I initially felt uncomfortable adjusting to wearing the mask."
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Surgical Treatments: For Wafa, surgery was not required, but in severe cases, surgery may be recommended to widen the airway or remove excess tissue in the throat. According to the American Heart Association, this option is advised for individuals who do not respond to other treatments.
Recovery Period
For Wafa, treatment included using the CPAP machine and following a weight-loss routine. She experienced significant improvement and began feeling more energetic and focused during the day. The snoring symptoms also decreased drastically.
Impact of Sleep Apnea on Overall Health
According to the American Heart Association, sleep apnea is linked to an increased risk of the following :conditions
Research also suggests that untreated sleep apnea can lead to heart problems, such as arrhythmias.
Wafa concludes, "My experience with sleep apnea was a wake-up call to the importance of sleep quality and its impact on overall health. I learned the value of consulting doctors when noticing any unusual symptoms, and I now realize that taking care of my sleep is just as important as exercising or following a healthy diet."
Note from Sayidaty: Before following this treatment or remedy, consult a specialist doctor.
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