Many people wonder what Sleep Apnea is and if they have it. They ask questions like — Is it life threatening? Will I die? What can be done about it? Is it contagious? Well, people are actually losing sleep over these questions and sometimes it really isn’t Sleep Apnea. While it can be life threatening it isn’t exactly contagious — although your restlessness could keep your partner awake all night! Many people that have restless sleep, insomnia, or are tired the next day, often think it could be Sleep Apnea. If you think it’s what you are suffering from then it’s imperative that you get it checked out and have a sleep study done.
In an attempt to briefly describe it, here is the short answer:
1. Sleep Apnea is a breathing disorder characterized by brief interruptions of breathing during sleep. There are two types — Central Sleep Apnea and Obstructive Sleep Apnea.
2. A sleep study can be done either in a sleep lab or at your home to determine which, if either, you might have.
3. Depending upon which sleep apnea you have — Central Sleep Apnea or Obstructive Sleep Apnea — a treatment plan can be developed for you and you are sure to benefit from it.