Is It Stress or Sleep Apnea?

New Yorkers are pretty tough overall, but the experiences of this year have even the toughest among us struggling to cope. If you’re feel groggy and tired during the day, can’t focus on anything, or feel tired even after a whole night in bed, you may simply attribute it to lack of sleep due to stress. It very well may be stress impacting your sleep – high levels of stress can impact your life in a myriad of ways – but it could also be a sign of sleep apnea.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a condition in which you stop breathing during the night and it prevents enough oxygen from getting to your brain. Over time, sleep apnea can become progressively worse, and it can trigger other health complications, from high blood pressure to Type II diabetes. There are three types of sleep apnea – obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea and mixed sleep apnea.

How Is Sleep Apnea Diagnosed?

In most cases, a sleep study is performed to observe you while you are sleeping. You will be connected to monitors that will measure how many times and for how long you stop breathing throughout the night. This, combined with a thorough examination and health history, will help our physicians determine what kind of sleep apnea you have and how best to treat it.

Treating Sleep Apnea

The most common type of sleep apnea is obstructive. While it can sometimes be treated with lifestyle changes – losing weight, changing your sleeping position, reducing your alcohol intake – you most often need the intervention of a device, such as a CPAP mask or oral appliance, to help maintain your airway so that you can get enough oxygen.

If you are struggling to get the restorative sleep you need, the first step to a better night’s sleep begins with a consultation at Park Avenue Medical Professionals. Our physicians offer comprehensive diagnosis and treatments for a wide range of sleep disorders. We are known for our compassionate care and personalized approach. Schedule an appointment today by contacting our office at 212.427.2000. You can also make an appointment by filling out this form.