Some Questions and Answers about Sleep Apnea

Many of you may have heard of sleep apnea or the acronym OSA (obstructive sleep apnea) but may be a bit confused as to what this medical condition actually is; many people have no idea how dangerous it is.

Simply put, sleep apnea is a serious and potentially life-threatening disorder characterized by interrupted sleep. Some people who suffer with sleep apnea may actually stop breathing hundreds of times a night for several seconds each time. Sleep apnea can result in serious symptoms and conditions including but not limited to:

• Memory problems
• Difficulty concentrating
• Fatigue
• Dry mouth
• Sore throat
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Weight gain
• Diabetes
• Heart problems
• Stroke
• Headaches
• Intellectual deterioration
• High blood pressure
• Impotence
• Decreased libido
• Choking

Because sleep apnea deprives sufferers from sound and sufficient amounts of sleep, operating motor vehicles and machinery during the day can be very dangerous. Sleep apnea in children can lead to underachievement in school and poor intellectual development.

If you snore or your partner stops breathing during the night, please contact sleep apnea specialist, Dr. Ira Shapira, in Gurnee, Illinois.