Feeling Tired after a Good Night’s Rest? You Might Have Sleep Apnea

Disturbed sleep can be a sign

A good night's sleep is essential for maintaining our overall health and well-being. It allows our bodies to recharge and rejuvenate, preparing us for the day ahead. However, if you consistently wake up feeling tired and groggy despite getting a full night's sleep, you may be experiencing a common sleep disorder known as sleep apnea.

Here’s what the expert says

Dr. Anupam Jena, Interventional Cardiologist & Electrophysiologist, KIMS Bhubaneshwar says, “Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder defined by repeated pauses or interruptions in breathing while sleeping. It happens when the airway gets partially or totally closed, resulting in brief breathing pauses. These pauses, known as apneas, can last from a few seconds to a minute and can happen several times throughout the night. As a result, people with sleep apnea frequently have interrupted sleep, which causes excessive daytime sleepiness. For people with underlying heart disease these repeated multiple episodes of low blood oxygen — known as hypoxia or hypoxemia — worsen prognosis and increase the risk of irregular heart rhythms.”

Symptoms of sleep apnea

One of the most common symptoms of sleep apnea is feeling tired or fatigued, even after seemingly getting enough sleep. This is because the interrupted breathing episodes disrupt the normal sleep cycle, preventing individuals from entering the deep, restorative stages of sleep. As a result, they wake up feeling unrefreshed and may struggle to stay awake and alert throughout the day.

“Aside from daytime sleepiness, there are other signs and symptoms that may indicate the presence of sleep apnea. These include loud snoring, gasping, or choking during sleep, frequent nighttime awakenings, morning headaches, dry mouth or sore throat upon waking, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and mood changes,” says Dr. Jeena.

Treatment of sleep apnea

"Thankfully, there are multiple treatment options accessible for sleep apnea. The widely used and highly effective treatment for OSA is known as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. This involves wearing a mask over the nose or mouth during sleep, which delivers a constant flow of air to keep the airway open. Other treatments may include oral appliances, lifestyle modifications (such as weight loss and exercise), positional therapy, and, in some cases, surgery," says Dr. Jena

There are certain Cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) which can monitor breathing patterns and detect Sleep Apnea in relation to cardiovascular diseases and the effects of treatment.

The takeaway

“If you suspect that you have sleep apnea, it is crucial to seek medical attention. With proper diagnosis and treatment, you can regain restful nights and wake up feeling refreshed, energized, and ready to tackle the day ahead. Remember, a good night's rest is essential for your overall well-being,” says Dr. Jena. —The Times of India