How Are You Sleeping? Did You Know?

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is prevalent in many overweight people. What is OSA? It is a common condition, in which the upper airway repeatedly collapses during sleep.

Factors other than excess weight that may cause the airway to collapse during sleep:

∙Extra tissue in the back of the airway

∙Decrease in the tone of the muscles holding the airway open

∙The tongue falling back and closing off the airway

Some of the possible signs and symptoms of OSA:

∙Snoring, gasping or choking during sleep

∙Restless sleep

∙Excessive sleepiness or fatigue during the day

∙Crowded airway

∙High blood pressure

∙Obesity

Prevalence of OSA…Facts are as follows:

∙Many of the 20 million people in the U.S. suspected of having OSA may have an increased risk for other serious health conditions.

∙As many as 5 to 10 percent of adults in the U.S. have OSA, and it’s higher in Asians, Hispanic women and African-Americans.

∙85 to 90 percent of people within the U.S. who may have OSA have not been identified.

If left untreated, this condition (OSA) has been associated with an increased risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, depression, uncontrolled diabetes and stroke. But with diagnosis and treatment, obesity and many other high risk illnesses can be reversed.

If you feel you may fall into any of these categories and/or feel you may have any of these symptoms, or suspect you may have OSA you may want to schedule an appointment with your Primary Care Provider for further testing at an area Sleep Institute. We recommend Oklahoma Sleep Institute. Visit their website at:    http://www.oklahomasleepinstitute.com/

SWEET DREAMS!!!!!!!!!!