"I can't believe that," Bill replied. "You were snoring your head off."

If you've been told you snore loudly and gasp for air when sleeping, are extremely sleepy during the day, and have trouble concentrating, you should consult your healthcare provider. You may have sleep apnea, a condition that causes you to stop breathing as often as 30 or more times every hour. Each pause in breathing can last anywhere from 10 seconds to one minute.

Who's at risk?

The majority of people with sleep apnea don't even realize they have it. But research has shown that sleep apnea can triple the risk of high blood pressure. In addition, the risk of hypertension is 45 percent greater.

"Sleep apnea causes your blood pressure to rise significantly during the night," says Christopher Rubano, MD, of PeaceHealth Medical Group Surgical Specialists. "And every time you stop breathing, your blood is robbed of needed oxygen. Over time, sleep apnea may damage blood vessel walls, which can lead to hypertension, increased risk of heart attack or stroke, irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia), and other heart problems."

Although men are more likely than women to have sleep apnea, it can affect anyone who:

• Is age 40 or older
• Is overweight
• Has a receding chin, a thick neck, a narrow windpipe, enlarged adenoids or tonsils, or excess tissue in the throat
• Consumes alcohol

Self-care strategies

If you have mild sleep apnea, Dr. Rubano recommends these tips for self-care:

• Avoid alcohol — and never take sedatives or sleeping pills. These can keep you from waking up enough to breathe.
• Lose some weight if you need to.
• Avoid sleeping on your back. Try sewing a tennis ball into the back of your sleepwear. It will keep you from rolling onto your back while asleep.

"People with moderate or severe sleep apnea may need medical treatment," Dr. Rubano continues. "Masks with pressurized airflow are effective 95 percent of the time. Also, mouth devices worn during sleep can push the jaw forward and prevent airway collapse. In addition, surgical procedures are available that can help open up narrowed airways.

"It's important for you and your partner to get a good night's sleep," Dr. Rubano concludes. "Moreover, dealing with sleep apnea is vital for the health of your brain, lungs and heart."

Learn more

• Aging changes in sleep
• Nasal CPAP machine to assist breathing

Published Fall/Winter 2008, Southwest Woman
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