What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep Apnea is a serious sleep disorder in which your breathing repeatedly stops and starts while you sleep. Each pause can last from a few seconds to several minutes and may occur 30 or more times per hour. This reduces the oxygen supply to your brain and vital organs, and if left untreated, it can lead to serious health complications including heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke. Sleep Apnea is more common in Pakistan than most people realize. Many patients go undiagnosed for years simply because they are unaware of the symptoms or do not have access to affordable diagnostic services.
Common Signs & Symptoms of Sleep Apnea:
- Loud, chronic snoring every night
- Gasping or choking during sleep (noticed by partner or family)
- Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat
- Morning headaches
- Excessive daytime sleepiness and fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating or memory problems
- Mood swings, irritability, or depression
- Frequent nighttime urination
- High blood pressure or history of heart disease