When people think about sleep apnea, they often picture someone snoring loudly. But guess what? You can have sleep apnea without making a peep. Yep, it’s true. This silent condition can be just as dangerous—sometimes even more so—because it often goes unnoticed and untreated.
Understanding the reality of sleep apnea and not snoring is crucial. This blog dives into the lesser-known side of sleep apnea, exploring what it is, how it can silently affect your health, and the serious risks it poses. Let’s break down everything you need to know, including answering the common question: can you have sleep apnea and not snore?
What is Sleep Apnea?
So, what exactly is sleep apnea? In simple terms, it’s a disorder where your breathing repeatedly stops and starts while you sleep. This interruption in breathing can last for a few seconds to a few minutes, and it can happen up to 30 times or more in an hour.
Crazy, right? One of the tongue signs of sleep apnea can be a sore or swollen tongue, which might occur due to constant mouth breathing or changes in the tongue’s position during sleep. Recognizing these subtle signs, along with more common symptoms, can help in early diagnosis and effective management of the condition.
This is especially important because a person dying from sleep apnea is a valid and serious concern. Untreated sleep apnea can lead to severe health complications, including cardiovascular issues and increased risk of stroke, which can be life-threatening.
Types of Sleep Apnea
There are three main types of sleep apnea:
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
This is the most common form. It happens when the muscles in the back of your throat relax too much, causing a blockage. It can lead to repeated interruptions in your breathing throughout the night, resulting in fragmented sleep. If untreated, OSA can increase the risk of cardiovascular problems.
Central Sleep Apnea
This type is less common and occurs when your brain doesn’t send the right signals to the muscles that control breathing. Unlike OSA, there is no physical blockage; instead, it’s a problem with the brain’s communication. This condition can be associated with heart failure, stroke, and other serious illnesses.
Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome
Also known as treatment-emergent central sleep apnea, this condition happens when someone has both obstructive and central sleep apnea. It can be more challenging to treat, requiring specialized medical intervention. People with this syndrome often need a combination of therapies to manage their symptoms effectively.
Common Symptoms
You might think snoring is the main symptom of sleep apnea. While it’s common, it’s not the only sign. Here are some symptoms to watch out for:
Loud Snoring
Yes, it’s a classic symptom, but not everyone with sleep apnea snores. Snoring can vary in intensity and may be accompanied by choking or gasping sounds. It often disrupts the sleep of partners and family members.
Gasping for Air During Sleep
Often noticed by a partner. These episodes can cause abrupt awakenings and a feeling of panic or breathlessness. They are a clear indication that your airway is being obstructed during sleep.
Dry Mouth or Sore Throat
You might wake up feeling parched or with a scratchy throat. This can result from sleeping with your mouth open, a common occurrence in those with sleep apnea. Persistent dryness can lead to oral health issues.
Morning Headaches
Frequent headaches can be a sign of interrupted sleep. These headaches are typically dull and can be caused by the lack of oxygen during apnea episodes. They usually improve after waking up.
Difficulty Staying Asleep (Insomnia)
Trouble sleeping through the night could be a clue. Frequent awakenings due to breathing interruptions can make it hard to get a restful night’s sleep, leading to insomnia. This can further exacerbate daytime fatigue and concentration problems.
Excessive Daytime Sleepiness
Feeling tired all day, even after a full night’s sleep. This can affect your ability to function during the day, leading to drowsiness while driving or at work. Chronic sleep deprivation from sleep apnea can result in increased irritability and decreased productivity, impacting your overall quality of life.
Difficulty Paying Attention
You might find it hard to focus or concentrate. This symptom is often a result of disrupted sleep, which can impair cognitive function and memory. Persistent difficulty paying attention can affect your performance at work or school, making daily tasks more challenging. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s worth talking to a doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent serious complications.
Can You Have Sleep Apnea Without Snoring?
Absolutely! It’s a common misconception that snoring is a must for sleep apnea. Many people have sleep apnea without ever making a sound during the night. So, do you have to snore to have sleep apnea? The answer is no; snoring is not a definitive symptom, and it’s important to be aware of other signs and risks associated with this condition.
This awareness is crucial because untreated sleep apnea can lead to severe health issues, raising the question, can people die from sleep apnea? Yes, they can. Sleep apnea can result in serious complications such as heart disease, stroke, and other life-threatening conditions if left unmanaged.
Understanding Non-Snoring Sleep Apnea
Yes, you can have sleep apnea without snoring. This might surprise you because snoring is often highlighted as a key symptom. But many people with sleep apnea don’t snore at all. This is particularly true for those with central sleep apnea and some cases of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Scary, right? So, how do I know if I have sleep apnea if I don’t snore? Look for other symptoms such as excessive daytime sleepiness, frequent waking during the night, morning headaches, and difficulty concentrating. Consulting with a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis is crucial.
Recognizing the Signs of Sleep Apnea in Women
Understanding the signs of sleep apnea in women is also important, as they can differ slightly from those in men. Women may experience more subtle symptoms such as insomnia, fatigue, mood disturbances, and morning headaches.
Additionally, women with sleep apnea might report waking up with a dry mouth or throat and experiencing frequent nighttime urination. Recognizing these signs early and seeking medical advice can help prevent the severe health risks associated with untreated sleep apnea.
Subtle Signs to Watch For
If you’re not snoring, how can you tell if you might have sleep apnea? Here are some subtle signs:
Insomnia
Trouble falling or staying asleep. This often results from frequent awakenings throughout the night due to breathing interruptions. Persistent insomnia can lead to chronic fatigue and exacerbate other health issues, such as anxiety or depression. If sleep disturbances continue despite trying to improve sleep habits, consider seeking medical advice.
Morning Headaches
Waking up with a headache is a common but overlooked sign. These headaches are typically caused by oxygen deprivation or carbon dioxide buildup during sleep. Regular morning headaches can indicate disrupted sleep patterns and maybe a signal to investigate further. Persistent headaches should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Dry Mouth
Waking up with a dry mouth can indicate interrupted breathing. This often occurs because of mouth breathing during sleep, which is common in those with sleep apnea. Chronic dry mouth can lead to other oral health issues, such as gum disease and tooth decay. Addressing this symptom can help improve both sleep quality and overall oral health.
Excessive Daytime Fatigue
Feeling unusually tired during the day, even with a full night’s sleep. This excessive fatigue can hinder daily activities and reduce overall productivity. Persistent daytime sleepiness often signals poor sleep quality and may require a closer look into potential sleep disorders, including sleep apnea.
Mood Changes
Increased irritability or mood swings. Disrupted sleep can significantly affect emotional stability, leading to heightened stress, anxiety, or depression. Mood changes can impact personal relationships and overall quality of life. Addressing sleep issues can help stabilize mood and improve mental health.
Difficulty Concentrating
Trouble focusing on tasks or feeling foggy-headed. This symptom is often a result of fragmented sleep, which impairs cognitive function and memory. Difficulty concentrating can affect performance at work or school, making everyday tasks more challenging. Improving sleep quality can enhance cognitive function and overall mental clarity.
Can Sleep Apnea Kill You?
The short answer is yes. Sleep apnea can be fatal. It’s not just about feeling tired; it’s about serious health risks. People with untreated sleep apnea are more likely to suffer from heart attacks, strokes, and other life-threatening conditions. In severe cases, sleep apnea can cause sudden death during sleep. So, will sleep apnea kill you? Unfortunately, if left untreated, it has the potential to be life-threatening. Addressing and managing sleep apnea is essential for maintaining your health and preventing these severe outcomes.
Understanding that you can have sleep apnea without snoring is crucial. This silent condition can lead to serious health risks, and recognizing the subtle signs can help in getting a timely diagnosis and treatment. Remember, it’s not just about snoring; it’s about your overall health and well-being. Untreated sleep apnea can even lead to sleep apnea death, highlighting the importance of addressing this condition seriously to avoid fatal outcomes.
The question of how many people die from sleep apnea highlights the severity of this condition. While exact numbers can be challenging to determine, sleep apnea significantly increases the risk of fatal health issues like heart disease and stroke, underscoring the importance of early detection and effective management.
For those diagnosed with sleep apnea, using prescribed treatments is vital. Can you die from not using your CPAP machine? Yes, neglecting to use your CPAP machine can result in severe complications, including heart attacks and strokes, due to untreated sleep apnea. Stay informed, stay healthy, and don’t ignore the signs.
The Dangers of Undiagnosed Sleep Apnea
Undiagnosed sleep apnea can lead to serious health issues like heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure. Without proper treatment, the risks to your health and well-being are significant. In fact, can you die from sleep apnea? Yes, untreated sleep apnea can be fatal. The continuous lack of oxygen during sleep can cause severe complications, making it essential to seek diagnosis and treatment to safeguard your health.
One important factor to consider is the number of sleep apnea events per hour. These events, where breathing temporarily stops during sleep, can severely impact your health. The frequency of these episodes determines the severity of sleep apnea, with more than 30 events per hour classified as severe
Health Risks
A common misconception is that sleep apnea is just an annoying condition that makes you snore and feel tired. But the reality is much more serious. Undiagnosed sleep apnea can have significant health risks, affecting your overall well-being and even your lifespan.
One major cause of death sleep apnea can contribute to is cardiovascular complications, such as heart disease and stroke, due to the repeated interruptions in breathing and oxygen supply during sleep. Recognizing and treating sleep apnea is crucial to prevent these severe health outcomes.
Let’s dive into the health risks associated with untreated sleep apnea:
Heart Disease
Sleep apnea puts a lot of stress on your heart. Frequent interruptions in breathing can lead to an increase in blood pressure and an irregular heartbeat. Over time, this strain can lead to heart disease, heart attacks, and other cardiovascular issues. You might not snore, but sleep apnea can still damage your heart.
High Blood Pressure
One of the body’s natural responses to oxygen deprivation is to increase blood pressure. When breathing stops repeatedly during sleep, the body’s oxygen levels drop, causing a spike in blood pressure. Chronic high blood pressure is a serious health risk that can lead to other conditions like heart disease and stroke.
Stroke
People with sleep apnea are more likely to suffer from strokes. The lack of oxygen caused by interrupted breathing can cause blood vessels to narrow, increasing the risk of a stroke. The repeated stress on the cardiovascular system from disrupted sleep can exacerbate this risk, making it crucial to manage sleep apnea effectively. Treatment can significantly reduce the risk of stroke and improve overall health outcomes.
Type 2 Diabetes
There’s a strong link between sleep apnea and insulin resistance, which can lead to type 2 diabetes. Sleep apnea affects how your body uses insulin, making it more likely for you to develop diabetes. The poor sleep quality associated with sleep apnea can also contribute to weight gain, further increasing diabetes risk. Addressing sleep apnea can help improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes.
Accidents
Daytime drowsiness is a significant risk factor for accidents, especially while driving. If you’re always tired, you’re more likely to have a car accident or be less productive at work. Sleep apnea can lead to serious consequences beyond just feeling sleepy.
Mental Health Issues
Sleep apnea can also affect your mental health, leading to conditions like depression and anxiety. The lack of restful sleep can make it hard to cope with daily stresses and can affect your overall mood and mental well-being.
These health risks highlight the importance of diagnosing and treating sleep apnea. Ignoring the symptoms, whether you snore or not, can have serious consequences for your health.
Sudden Death
Severe cases of sleep apnea can cause sudden death during sleep. The repeated pauses in breathing can lead to critical drops in oxygen levels, which can be fatal. Without timely intervention, the continuous lack of oxygen can cause heart arrhythmias and other life-threatening complications. Proper treatment and management of sleep apnea are essential to mitigate these severe risks.
Heart Attacks
People with sleep apnea are at a higher risk of heart attacks. The constant strain on the heart due to fluctuating oxygen levels can lead to fatal heart conditions. This strain can contribute to the development of hypertension, heart failure, and other cardiovascular diseases. Managing sleep apnea effectively can significantly reduce the risk of such severe cardiovascular events.
Strokes
As mentioned, the risk of strokes is significantly higher in individuals with sleep apnea. A stroke can be deadly or leave you with long-term disabilities. The intermittent oxygen deprivation associated with sleep apnea can lead to blood vessel damage and increased clotting risk, which heightens the likelihood of stroke. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to reducing stroke risk and improving overall health outcomes.
Accidents
The risk of fatal accidents, especially while driving, increases with untreated sleep apnea. Excessive daytime sleepiness can lead to poor concentration and slow reaction times.
To put it bluntly, untreated sleep apnea can shorten your life. Whether you have mild, moderate, or severe sleep apnea, getting diagnosed and treated is essential to avoid these life-threatening complications.
Recognizing symptoms of sleep apnea in women, which can include insomnia, fatigue, mood disturbances, morning headaches, dry mouth or throat upon waking, and frequent nighttime urination is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment.
Addressing these symptoms can significantly improve your quality of life and reduce the risk of severe health issues. Identifying and managing these symptoms of sleep apnea in women ensures that you receive the appropriate care and intervention, ultimately leading to better overall health and well-being.
Diagnosing Sleep Apnea
Now that you understand the serious risks, let’s talk about how to diagnose sleep apnea. Recognizing the signs and seeking medical help is the first step to managing this condition. Sleep apnea falls under the broader category of sleep-disordered breathing, which includes various conditions where breathing is disrupted during sleep.
By paying attention to symptoms such as excessive daytime sleepiness, frequent waking during the night, and morning headaches, and consulting with a healthcare provider, you can get the appropriate diagnosis and treatment to manage sleep apnea effectively.
When to See a Doctor
If you suspect you have sleep apnea, especially if you notice any subtle signs like morning headaches, dry mouth, or excessive daytime fatigue, it’s time to see a doctor. Here are some key signs that should prompt you to seek medical advice:
- Frequent loud snoring, especially if it’s punctuated by periods of silence.
- Gasping for air during sleep.
- Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat.
- Morning headaches.
- Difficulty staying asleep (insomnia).
- Excessive daytime sleepiness (hypersomnia).
- Difficulty paying attention while awake.
- Irritability.
These signs can be subtle, but they’re important to recognize. Don’t ignore them. Seeing a doctor can help you get a proper diagnosis and start treatment. Ignoring these symptoms could lead to worsening health issues and a higher risk of severe complications.
Diagnostic Tests
When you visit a doctor with concerns about sleep apnea, they will likely recommend a sleep study to diagnose the condition. Here are the common diagnostic tests:
Polysomnography (Sleep Study)
This is the most comprehensive test for diagnosing sleep apnea. It’s usually done overnight in a sleep center. During the study, various body functions such as brain waves, eye movements, heart rate, breathing patterns, and blood oxygen levels are monitored. It provides a detailed look at your sleep cycles and can confirm the presence and severity of sleep apnea.
Home Sleep Apnea Test
For some people, a home sleep apnea test might be recommended. This test is less comprehensive than polysomnography but can still provide valuable information. It involves wearing equipment that monitors your heart rate, breathing patterns, and oxygen levels while you sleep at home. It’s more convenient and can be a good initial screening tool.
Physical Exam
A physical examination, including a look at your throat, mouth, and nose, can help identify physical factors contributing to sleep apnea, like enlarged tonsils or a deviated septum.
Treatment Options
A common misconception is that sleep apnea can only be treated with a CPAP machine, which some people find uncomfortable. But the truth is, there are various treatment options available, and finding the right one can significantly improve your quality of life. Let’s explore these options, from lifestyle changes to medical treatments.
Lifestyle Changes
Sometimes, simple lifestyle changes can make a huge difference in managing sleep apnea. Here are some effective strategies:
Weight Loss
If you’re overweight, losing even a small amount of weight can help reduce the severity of sleep apnea. Excess weight, especially around the neck, can obstruct your airway and make breathing difficult. Adopting a balanced diet and regular exercise routine can significantly improve your condition.
Quitting Smoking
Smoking can increase inflammation and fluid retention in your upper airway. Quitting smoking can help reduce these symptoms and improve your sleep apnea. Not only does smoking cessation reduce airway inflammation, but it also enhances overall lung function and sleep quality.
Changing Sleep Positions
Sleeping on your back can cause your tongue and soft tissues to block your airway. Try sleeping on your side to keep your airway open. You can use special pillows or devices to help maintain this position.
Avoiding Alcohol and Sedatives
Alcohol and sedatives relax the muscles in your throat, making it more likely for your airway to collapse. Avoiding these substances, especially before bedtime, can help keep your airway open. Establishing a regular sleep routine and avoiding heavy meals or drinks close to bedtime can further support better sleep hygiene.
Maintaining a Regular Sleep Schedule
Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day can improve your sleep quality and reduce sleep apnea symptoms. These lifestyle changes are often the first steps in managing sleep apnea and can be very effective, especially in mild cases.
Meditation promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and prepares your mind for restful sleep, while vitamins like B6, magnesium, and melatonin support healthy sleep patterns, aiding in achieving core sleep.
Medical Treatments
If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, several medical treatments are available for sleep apnea. Here are some of the most common options:
CPAP Machine
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is the most common treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. It involves wearing a mask over your nose and/or mouth while you sleep. The mask is connected to a machine that delivers a continuous flow of air, keeping your airway open.
Oral Appliances
These are custom-made devices that you wear in your mouth while you sleep. They work by keeping your throat open, often by repositioning your jaw or tongue. Oral appliances can be a good option if you have mild to moderate sleep apnea and find CPAP uncomfortable.
Surgery
In some cases, surgery might be necessary to treat sleep apnea. Surgical options include removing tissue from the back of your throat, repositioning your jaw, or implanting devices that stimulate your airway muscles to stay open. Surgery is usually considered when other treatments haven’t been effective.
Positional Therapy
This involves using devices or techniques to encourage you to sleep in a position that keeps your airway open. For example, a special belt with a foam block can prevent you from rolling onto your back. Some people use specialized pillows or adjustable beds designed to support side sleeping.
Nerve Stimulation
A newer treatment involves implanting a device that stimulates the nerve controlling your tongue muscles, keeping your airway open during sleep. This option is for people with moderate to severe sleep apnea who can’t tolerate CPAP.
Living with Sleep Apnea
Managing sleep apnea is an ongoing process, but with the right strategies, you can live a healthy, fulfilling life. Here are some tips for living with sleep apnea and making the most of your treatment.
Tips for Better Sleep
Improving your sleep environment and habits can enhance the effectiveness of your treatment and help you feel more rested. Here are some practical tips:
Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment
Keep your bedroom dark, quiet, and cool. Use blackout curtains, earplugs, or a white noise machine to eliminate distractions. Reducing exposure to screens and bright lights before bedtime can also help signal to your body that it’s time to wind down, promoting better sleep quality.
Stick to a Sleep Schedule
Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. Consistency helps regulate your body’s sleep-wake cycle, making it easier to fall asleep and wake up naturally. This routine reinforces your internal clock, which can improve the quality of your sleep and make you feel more refreshed in the morning.
Limit Screen Time Before Bed
The blue light from screens can interfere with your ability to fall asleep. Try to avoid screens at least an hour before bedtime. Blue light suppresses melatonin production, which is crucial for regulating sleep. Instead, consider winding down with a book or engaging in relaxing activities that don’t involve screens.
Practice Relaxation Techniques
Techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or gentle yoga can help you relax before bed and improve your sleep quality. Incorporating these practices into your nightly routine can lower stress levels and prepare your mind and body for restful sleep.
Avoid Heavy Meals and Caffeine
Eating a large meal or consuming caffeine close to bedtime can disrupt your sleep. Try to eat lighter meals and avoid caffeine in the afternoon and evening. Heavy meals can cause discomfort and indigestion, making it harder to fall asleep. Aim to finish eating at least two to three hours before bed.
By making these small changes, you can improve your sleep quality and manage your sleep apnea more effectively.
Understanding Central vs. Obstructive Sleep Apnea
A lot of people think all sleep apnea is the same, but that’s not true. There are two main types: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central sleep apnea (CSA). Understanding the difference is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the more common type. It happens when the muscles in the back of your throat relax too much to allow normal breathing. Here’s a breakdown of OSA:
Symptoms
Symptoms of OSA include loud snoring, gasping for air during sleep, waking up with a dry mouth, morning headaches, insomnia, and excessive daytime sleepiness. Even if you don’t snore, you might still have OSA if you experience these symptoms.
Risk Factors
OSA is more common in people who are overweight, have a thicker neck circumference, have a narrowed airway, or have a family history of sleep apnea. Lifestyle factors like smoking and alcohol use can also increase the risk.
Understanding OSA is key to recognizing that sleep apnea is not just about snoring; it’s a serious condition that can impact your overall health.
What is Central Sleep Apnea (CSA)?
Central sleep apnea (CSA) is less common but equally serious. Unlike OSA, CSA occurs when your brain doesn’t send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. Here’s what you need to know about CSA:
Symptoms
The symptoms of CSA can be similar to OSA but might also include more frequent awakenings and chronic fatigue. You might not snore with CSA, which makes it harder to identify without a sleep study.
Risk Factors
CSA is often linked to severe illnesses such as heart failure, stroke, or other conditions that affect the brainstem. It can also occur in conjunction with OSA, a condition known as complex sleep apnea syndrome.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosing CSA usually requires a sleep study to observe your breathing patterns and brain activity during sleep. Treatment might involve addressing underlying health conditions, using devices like adaptive servo-ventilation (ASV), or medication.
Recognizing the differences between OSA and CSA helps in getting the right treatment, which is essential for managing sleep apnea effectively.
Myths and Facts about Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is surrounded by myths and misconceptions, which can prevent people from seeking the help they need. Let’s debunk some common myths and uncover the facts about sleep apnea.
Only Overweight People Get Sleep Apnea
While being overweight increases the risk of sleep apnea, thin people can also develop the condition. Factors like genetics, age, and physical structure of the airway also play significant roles.
Sleep Apnea is Just Snoring
Snoring can be a symptom of sleep apnea, but not all snorers have sleep apnea. Sleep apnea involves repeated interruptions in breathing that can lead to serious health issues, unlike simple snoring.
CPAP is the Only Treatment
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is a common and effective treatment, but it’s not the only one. Lifestyle changes, oral appliances, surgery, and other medical treatments can also help manage sleep apnea.
You Can Ignore Mild Sleep Apnea
Even mild sleep apnea without snoring can have serious health consequences, including an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. It’s important to address any level of sleep apnea with appropriate treatment.
You Can’t Have Sleep Apnea Without Snoring
It’s possible to have sleep apnea without snoring. Some people experience all the other symptoms of sleep apnea without making a sound. Snoring is just one possible indicator.
Facts about Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea affects approximately 25 million adults in the United States alone. It’s a serious sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep, impacting daily functioning and overall health.
Sleep Apnea is Common and Serious
Millions of people worldwide suffer from sleep apnea, and it’s a serious condition that can impact your health and quality of life. Untreated sleep apnea increases the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, and diabetes.
Sleep Apnea Can Affect Anyone
Sleep apnea can affect people of all ages and body types. While it’s more common in older adults and those with certain risk factors, anyone can develop this condition.
Diagnosis Requires a Sleep Study
Proper diagnosis of sleep apnea typically requires a sleep study, either in a sleep center or at home. These studies monitor your breathing, heart rate, and other vital signs to determine the presence and severity of sleep apnea.
Treatment Improves Quality of Life
Effective treatment of sleep apnea can improve your sleep quality, daytime alertness, and overall health. Many people see significant improvements in their well-being once they start treatment.
Lifestyle Changes Matter
Lifestyle modifications, such as weight loss, quitting smoking, and avoiding alcohol, can significantly reduce sleep apnea symptoms and improve treatment outcomes.
Conclusion
Understanding the different types of sleep apnea without snoring and debunking common myths can empower you to take control of your health. Whether it’s obstructive or central sleep apnea, recognizing the symptoms and seeking appropriate treatment is crucial. Don’t let misconceptions prevent you from getting the help you need. Take the necessary steps to manage sleep apnea and improve your quality of life.