The quality of your sleep is important to us at AICA Snellville. Getting the proper amount of sleep is best for your overall wellness which gives your body a chance to recoup and heal from your daily activities. Sleep should be relaxing, but for many this is not the case. Around 50-70 million US adults suffer from a sleep disorder, and it’s estimated that 22 million of those struggle with sleep apnea specifically. Let’s evaluate this common condition and learn how a chiropractor can help!
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder identified by shallow breathing or repeated bouts of stop-and-start breathing. There are three different types of sleep apnea, with the first being obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which is characterized by a blockage in the airway, frequently by the tongue
The second type is central sleep apnea, which is when the brain doesn’t send adequate signals to the muscles that control breathing. Complex sleep apnea is a combination of both the above mentioned.
When the body isn’t getting enough oxygen which is the biggest problem with sleep apnea, the body is open to developing other complications.
- High blood pressure
- Heart problems and stroke
- Liver issues
- Surgery and anesthesia complications
- Type 2 diabetes
- Depression
Warning Signs?
Symptoms for sleep apnea consist of incessant or loud snoring, choking during sleep or when waking, headaches, forgetfulness, mood swings, night sweats, restlessness and trouble waking up in the morning. If you suspect you may be suffering from sleep apnea, speak with your doctor to request a sleep study which will determine if you suffer from this condition. Take notes of your symptoms so you can be as specific as possible!
Causes
Sleep apnea can affect anyone, the young and the old. Carrying around excess weight or having a naturally narrow airway, a family history, alcohol use, using pain medications like narcotics and opioids as well a smoking can all factor in to the cause of your condition.
The Perfect Natural Remedy
Oftentimes people hear sleep apnea and they think of those big clunky machines that go over your face called CPAP machines. However, those machines are not the be all end all treatment for everyone. In fact, a recent case study found that corrective chiropractic care and diet changes could positively improve a patient’s condition.
By visiting a chiropractor after three months of routine adjustments a patient who’d been suffering for five years with sleep apnea, saw a complete resolution of OSA symptoms and overall health, including increased energy, decreased drowsiness and even a full night of sleep without a CPAP machine.
If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, reach out today to one of our Snellville chiropractors for a consultation to learn more about how we can help! By having routine chiropractic adjustments your symptoms could potentially decrease allowing you a better night’s sleep!
By getting a good night sleep, this allows the brain to communicate better with your body and can improve function of the chest muscles and increase blood flow which are very important factors in sleep apnea. Contact us today at (404) 889-8826 to take your first steps to getting the rest you deserve!