More people than you may think. As many as three out of four adults may suffer from sleep problems such as insomnia, narcolepsy, snoring, sleep apnea, or restless legs. Obstructive Sleep Apnea sufferers can share common characteristics including:
- Snoring
- Obesity
- Large neck circumference
- 16 inches or greater in females
- 17 inches or greater in males
- History of hypertension
- Aging Baby Boomer population with small necks
Many sufferers are unaware. It’s usually a partner or roommate that identifies a problem of excessive snoring often characterized by moments of silence, and then gasping as the individual breathes in air. Although a partner may attempt to solve the problem by simply sleeping in another room, this doesn’t help the individual who has the disorder.
Left untreated, Obstructive Sleep Apnea can result in serious health concerns which include:
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Increased risk of heart attack and stroke
- Sexual dysfunction
- Fatigue-related motor vehicle accidents
- Work related accidents
- An overall decrease in quality of life due to excessive daytime sleepiness
- Lack of concentration
- Irritability