Sleep—it’s one of our favorite things. But for at least 25 million Americans, hitting the sack could be deadly. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a potentially life-threatening disorder that obstructs your airways during sleep, making it impossible to breathe. It’s also on the rise in America and remains largely untreated. Untreated OSA can have severe consequences, as it increases a person’s risk of cardiac disease, obesity, and diabetes.
But here’s the catch: if you have sleep apnea, you can stop and even reverse these effects. All you have to do is get diagnosed and treated. The easiest way to get diagnosed is through a home sleep test. It’s the easy and cost effective solution. Instead of paying thousands to go to a sleep lab to get tested why not just spend a few hundred dollars and get tested in the comfort of your own bed? So, how do you know if you should get tested? Here’s what to look for:
1. Obesity
We all know this one’s bad for your health. Obesity is a risk factor for a whole host of chronic diseases. Your risk of sleep apnea increases with excess body weight. FYI: A body mass index of 30 or higher is considered obese. You may want to check your BMI STAT.
2. High Blood Pressure
Another red flag. About one in every three Americans has high blood pressure. But it gets worse. Thirty to forty percent of adults with high blood pressure also have sleep apnea. The good news? Sleep apnea treatment has proven success in decreasing blood pressure.
3. Snoring
It’s not just a pain for your bedmate. Frequent snoring is a common risk factor for sleep apnea. Not everyone who snores has sleep apnea, but a sleep apnea test will help you find out just how deadly your snoring is.
4. Gasping or Choking During Sleep
Definitely cause for alarm. As if snoring wasn’t bad enough, sleep apnea sufferers also experience choking, gasping, and silent breathing pauses during sleep. These symptoms are a clear indicator of sleep apnea, so if you experience any, get tested!
5. Daytime Fatigue and Sleepiness
Don’t blame it on that 3 PM caffeine slump. Sleep apnea leaves you feeling tired, even after a full night’s sleep. Sleep apnea causes nighttime arousal (not the good kind), which prevents your body from getting the rest it needs.
Symptoms sound all too familiar? The best thing to do is get tested. Luckily, Easy Breathe’s Easy Sleep Apnea Test Package is a fast, affordable solution that allows you to get tested in your own home. Most people either don’t have time to get to the doctor or hate the idea of going to a sleep lab. Your Easy Sleep Apnea Test Package includes an evaluation by a licensed physician, the home sleep test, and the test results are analyzed by a board-certified sleep doctor. If diagnosed and medically necessary, the physician will recommended continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy to treat your sleep apnea. If you show any of these 5 symptoms of sleep apnea don’t wait and jeopardize your health – get tested.
*Insurance only covers the Home Sleep Test Package and not the Easy Sleep Apnea Test Package. The Home Sleep Test Package requires a prescription for the test from a doctor you see in person. Insurance requires this in person doctor visit. Click here for more details. Need more help? Call 866-564-2252.
