No Rest for the Weary: Snoring and Insomnia
It's the middle of the night, and you’re lying in bed wondering…when will this buzz saw STOP? In reality, it’s your partner snoring, and you CAN’T sleep! What are you supposed to do?
Some people snore loudly, becoming the brunt of bad jokes; however, snoring is no laughing matter. Loud, habitual snoring may signal a potentially life-threatening problem – obstructive sleep apnea or OSA. “Some people with OSA wake many times through the night,” says Virtua sleep specialist Kathy Ryan, MD. “If you routinely wake up feeling tired, even after seven hours of ‘sleep,’ you should share your concerns with a doctor.”
If you suspect sleep apnea, see your primary care physician first. “Untreated sleep apnea has been associated with causing high blood pressure and diabetes, so you don’t want to take it lightly,” Dr. Ryan says.
After an initial examination, your doctor will likely refer you to a sleep specialist for a sleep study. “Sleep studies are conducted in special centers with rooms that are comparable to hotel rooms,” says Dr. Ryan. “You’re monitored overnight to determine if you’re having any breathing issues as you sleep.” In most centers, you arrive in the evening, and leave first thing in the morning, so as not to interfere with your work/life schedule.
Most people with sleep apnea are treated with continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP. CPAP delivers air pressure through the nose to open the throat, allowing for easier, uninterrupted breathing. The result is better sleep, which improves your overall health as well. If CPAP isn’t prescribed, other options exist. “If you’re overweight, weight loss normally helps sleep apnea,” Dr. Ryan says. “In extreme cases, surgical procedures may be considered.”
If you’re one of the many who simply stares at the clock at 4 am WONDERING when you’ll fall asleep, you may have insomnia. “One in three people suffers insomnia at times,” says Dr. Ryan. “This becomes a concern if it’s persistent, and you don’t feel refreshed when you wake, or if you experience fatigue or trouble concentrating.”
Stress can play a huge role with insomnia. “Exercise reduces insomnia and improves sleep,” notes Dr. Ryan. “Relaxing before going to bed and maintaining a consistent bedtime also can help reduce it. And take note…alcohol, caffeine and nicotine, even some cold and flu remedies, all INCREASE bouts of insomnia.”
If more holistic approaches don’t work, see your primary care physician, as you may need to see a specialist. For short-term intervention, sleeping pills may be prescribed; however, they’re not effective or recommended for long-term use. “The bottom line is that some people are more susceptible to insomnia than others, so it’s important to determine if it’s taking a toll on your health and seek treatment.”