What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that causes you to stop breathing while you sleep. It’s critical to understand the signs and symptoms of sleep apnea and consult your doctor if you think you or someone you love may be suffering from the disorder. Often times, CPAP therapy is an effective treatment option to help you get a more restful night’s sleep and take back control of your life.
What causes Sleep Apnea?
There are three leading forms of sleep apnea, but the most common is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). While we sleep, the throat relaxes, but for people with OSA, sometimes they relax so much that the airway becomes narrowed or blocked. As a result, air flow is reduced or completely stops flowing into the upper airway and the lungs, so the body does not get the oxygen it needs to function.
Did you know?
Sleep apnea impacts more than 936 million people worldwide — nearly 10 times greater than previous estimates.
What happens when you have sleep apnea?
Air stops flowing
An apnea event is when air stops flowing to your lungs for ten seconds or longer, meaning you stop breathing.
Brain sends a signal
Your brain sends a signal to your body to wake up and take a breath. You take a breath and fall back to sleep.
Cycle repeats
These apnea events can occur hundreds of times a night and many people with sleep apnea don’t know it's happening.
What to do about sleep apnea
If you think you or a loved one has sleep apnea, follow these 6 steps:
01
Take our free Sleep Quiz
The most common sign of sleep apnea is snoring. Complete a quick 60-second assessment to learn if you might be suffering from or at risk for sleep apnea.
02
Contact Asleep at Home
After taking the Sleep Quiz, send your results to the Asleep at Home team and attend a quick virtual visit with a medical provider.
03
Complete a Home Sleep Test or In-Lab Study
The medical provider may recommend you schedule a Home Sleep Test or In-Lab Sleep Study to get a better idea of your sleeping habits. Our sleep tests can be done in the comfort of your home or at a nearby sleep lab.
04
Discuss treatment options
Our board-certified sleep specialist will review your sleep test results. If you’re diagnosed with sleep apnea, they will write a prescription for CPAP therapy and the necessary equipment. Read on for treatment options and next steps.
05
Order CPAP mask and equipment
Shop CPAP mask and equipment to find a mask to meet your specific needs. Your CPAP mask is one of the most important parts of therapy, so we provide a variety options to ensure comfort, durability and a restful night’s sleep.
06
Be Asleep at Home!
With the right CPAP equipment, you will sleep better and gain back control of your life.
Benefits of CPAP Therapy
Effective sleep apnea therapy, which includes the use of CPAP equipment, has been shown to help ease headaches and excessive tiredness and improve energy levels, cognition, and mood function. It’s important to remember that if left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to an increased risk of stroke, heart attack and dementia.
Keep Exploring
Do I have sleep apnea?
Take our free sleep quiz today and find out if you might be at risk for sleep apnea in just 60 seconds.
What causes snoring?
Learn about the surprising causes of snoring and CPAP therapy as an effective snoring treatment option.
Support your spouse
Does your spouse struggle with sleep apnea or snoring? Learn how to help.