Say Goodnight to Sleep Apnea: The Importance of Treatment
A good night's sleep is essential for overall physical and mental health. Sleep is a natural process that helps our body and mind to relax and rejuvenate. On the other hand, dreams are a natural part of the sleep cycle and occur during Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep.
Knowing the Link: Sleep apnea interrupts a person's breathing during sleep, leading to several health issues. Seeking professional help for sleep apnea treatment is crucial to avoid severe health problems.
What is Rapid Eye Movement Sleep & Dream?
REM sleep is a stage of sleep when most dreaming occurs.
It is a vital stage of sleep, necessary for mental and emotional health.
During REM sleep, your eyes move back and forth rapidly, hence the name.
The brain activity during REM sleep is similar to when you're awake.
The body is temporarily paralyzed during REM sleep, except for the eye movement and breathing muscles.
Stages of REM Sleep
Stage 1: A light sleep stage where waking a person is easy.
Stage 2: The person becomes less aware of the surroundings and the heart rate and breathing become regular.
Stage 3: The deepest stage of sleep is when the brain waves become slow and more massive.
Stage 4: Most of the dreaming occurs when the person enters the REM stage.
What is Sleep Apnea?
It is a common sleep disorder interrupts breathing during sleep.
The most familiar type of sleep disorder is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), where the airway is blocked or collapses.
OSA occurs due to various factors, such as obesity, alcohol, smoking or a structural issue with the airway.
The interruption in breathing can last for a few seconds to a few minutes and occur multiple times per night.
People with sleep apnea may snore loudly or have trouble breathing while asleep.
Unveiling the Link between Dreams and Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a condition where a person experiences intermittent pauses in their breathing during sleep. This can have a significant impact on the quality of their sleep, leading to a range of health problems, including daytime fatigue, high blood pressure and heart disease.
In terms of its impact on dreams, sleep apnea can cause disruptions in the normal sleep cycle, leading to a reduction in the amount of REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep. REM sleep is the stage of sleep where most dreaming occurs. As a result, individuals with sleep apnea may experience fewer dreams or may have dreams that are less vivid and memorable.
Additionally, sleep apnea can cause individuals to wake up frequently throughout the night, which can interrupt the dream cycle and make it more difficult to remember dreams. Some individuals with sleep apnea may also experience nightmares or vivid, unsettling dreams, which can be a result of the body's struggle to maintain normal breathing patterns during sleep.
Is There Any Sleep Apnea Treatment Available?
CPAP Therapy
A Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine provides a steady stream of air pressure to keep the airway open while sleeping.
Oral Appliance Therapy
A dental device that can help to keep the airway open while sleeping.
Surgery
In some severe cases, surgery is the ultimate option to remove blockages or reshape the airway.
Lifestyle Changes
Losing weight, avoiding alcohol and smoking and sleeping on the side may help to alleviate sleep apnea symptoms.
When Will You Visit a Doctor's Clinic?
You should visit a doctor's clinic if you experience loud snoring, choking or gasping for air during sleep and excessive daytime sleepiness. Doctors can guide you to overcome sleep apnea disorder.
If people have a family history of the disorder, have overweight problems or have a history of smoking, alcohol consumption or drug use should also be checked.
If left untreated, it can cause several health hazards, such as fluctuating blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and diabetes.
Concluding Lines
Dreams and sleep apnea are two different aspects of sleep and seeking professional help for the sleep apnea healing process is crucial for overall health. If you notice sleep apnea symptoms, consult a doctor to avoid the severity of the condition.
We Will Help You Get a Better Sleep
Oklahoma Otolaryngology Associates, LLC offers comprehensive sleep apnea treatment in OKC. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and get the best possible treatment.
Our team of experienced professionals provides a personalized approach to diagnosing and treating sleep apnea. We offer a range of treatment options depending on the severity and type of sleep disorder disease.
Additionally, we provide lifestyle counseling to help patients make necessary changes to their daily routine, such as losing weight or quitting smoking.
"Sleep apnea is quite a fright, but with our treatment, you'll sleep the entire night!"
**Disclaimer: The information on this page is not intended to be a doctor's advice, nor does it create any form of patient-doctor relationship.