Sleep apnea is a disorder that causes a person to not have enough oxygen in their blood while they sleep because they start and stop breathing. Some people who have sleep apnea wake up frequently throughout the night. It’s also possible for these people to experience daytime sleepiness. While CPAPs or BiPAPs are common treatments, people may be prescribed a much newer treatment known as neuromodulation.
About Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a condition that causes a person to get a poor night sleep. People with it may snore loudly or have difficulty concentrating during the day. It’s possible to have morning headaches as well. Irritability is a common issue too.
Total, sleep apnea affects about 18 million men and women throughout the United States. In other words, around one in every 15 individuals in the U.S. suffer from this condition, which is equivalent to 6.62 percent of the adult population.
Complications of Sleep Apnea
Unfortunately, sleep apnea causes a person to have an increased risk of diabetes and heart disease. People with sleep apnea are more likely to have diabetes and liver problems. Sleep apnea has the potential to interfere with a person’s sex life, as noted by some studies. A study conducted on military recruits showed that some men had a 70-percent drop in testosterone. Another study showed that more than 60 percent of men who had severe sleep apnea also had difficulty achieving and maintaining an erection. Because of the sleep apnea, a man’s body has a reduced ability to bring blood flow to the penis.
Treating Sleep Apnea
Often, people get on a medication to manage various symptoms. For instance, people may utilize a medication to assist with achieving an erection. Sometimes, people utilize a medication to combat daytime sleepiness. It’s also possible for a person to utilize a CPAP machine
One of the more recent treatments for sleep apnea is neuromodulation. For this treatment, a person receives a patch that helps keep a person’s airways open as they sleep. It’s more comfortable than wearing headgear from a CPAP, which means people may get a better night sleep. Basically, this innovation is like a pacemaker for people who have sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea is a common problem. Unfortunately, up until now, the treatment options weren’t very practical for people. The machines are often loud, and the headgear is uncomfortable. However, neuromodulation for sleep apnea is an advancement that may negate the need for a CPAP for many sleep apnea patients.