Could You Have Sleep Apnea? Symptoms, Risks and CPAP Alternatives

Sleep apnea can cause you to stop breathing repeatedly during the night — sometimes dozens or even hundreds of times — without you realizing it. And while loud snoring is a common warning sign, it is not the only one.In this episode of Baptist HealthTalk, host Dr. Anthony Gonzalez talks with sleep specialist Dr. Edward Mezerhane about how sleep apnea affects the body, the symptoms people often miss, and what can happen when the condition goes untreated.They also break down how sleep apnea is diagnosed, why weight and airway anatomy matter, what to do if CPAP is difficult to tolerate, and the other treatment options available. What sleep apnea is and how common it may be  Why people can stop breathing without realizing it  Common and overlooked symptoms of sleep apnea  The connection between sleep apnea, weight gain and heart health  Whether losing weight can improve sleep apnea  How sleep studies confirm a diagnosis  Ways to make CPAP easier to tolerate  Alternatives to CPAP, including oral appliances and surgical options Sleep apnea is highly treatable. If you regularly wake up exhausted, snore loudly, or a bed partner notices pauses in your breathing, getting evaluated may help improve both your sleep and your long-term health.For more health and wellness information, visit BaptistHealth.net/News.Host:Anthony Gonzalez, M.D.Chief of Surgery, Baptist Health Baptist HospitalMedical Director of Bariatric Surgery, Baptist HealthGuest:Edward Mezerhane, M.D.Sleep Medicine PhysicianIf you found this episode helpful, you may also enjoy:7 Ways Summer Can Wreck Your SleepThis is What Lack of Sleep Does to your Brain and HeartPillow Talk: Uncovering the Sleep-Heart Link