Pregnancy is definitely a time for celebration and joy but it’s also a time when the importance of quality sleep really comes into play. In non-pregnant women, sleep disorders are common enough as disturbed sleep regularly accompanies the fluctuation in hormones that happens throughout each month. However, in expectant moms, the symptoms and vulnerability of sleep disorders becomes even more prevalent and pronounced.
The National Sleep Foundation discovered that 3 out of 4 women reported that they suffered from an increased level of sleep disruptions during their pregnancy when compared to when they were not expecting. When pregnant, the women complained of frequent wakening, decreased sleep quality, and difficulty falling and staying asleep. All of these problems commonly lead to daytime sleepiness and fatigue, and all of these symptoms are also linked to sleep apnea, a condition that pregnant women are at an increased risk of suffering from.
Sleep Apnea In Pregnant Women – Riskier Than Most Cases
In women who are pregnant, the rapid increase in body weight as well as the continuous changes in hormone levels make suffering from sleep apnea much more likely. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the airway becomes blocked or narrowed repeatedly during sleep which then causes interrupted breathing. This can prevent the proper amount of air from reaching the lungs which then leads to an overworking heart and low blood oxygen levels. Suffering from sleep apnea increases even more in pregnant women who were overweight before getting pregnant.
Pregnant women should take special care in treating their sleep apnea as the condition can cause a variety of complications later on including low birth weight, preeclampsia and even hypertension.
While sleep apnea may be more likely to occur in pregnant women, the condition can be diagnosed in anyone at any time. Men and non-pregnant women, children and seniors can all suffer from sleep apnea without realizing it. However, in pregnant women, there are always two lives at risk when dealing with sleep apnea as the unborn child may be negatively affected by this. In pregnant women, treatment is much more important than usual, but for all sleep apneics, treatment is a must in order to ensure that sleeping is no longer dangerous and health-threatening.
Do you have sleep apnea symptoms? Do you find that getting quality sleep seems to be out of reach? Do you constantly wake up throughout the night? If so, you may have sleep apnea. A sleep physician can diagnose a sleep apneic through the use of an overnight sleep study. Once positively diagnosed your next step is to find effective sleep apnea treatment. Dr. Berry is a great option for those patients who are looking for alternative treatments such as oral appliance therapy. Contact our office online or call (303) 691-0267 today to schedule a sleep apnea consultation.
