What Is Sleep Apnea?
Because of the nature of the condition, people with sleep apnea are normally not aware of their sleeping irregularities. In fact, it is said that 80 to 90% of people with sleep apnea are undiagnosed. Usually, it is their bed partners who notice their condition.
Types of sleep apnea
There are two types of sleep apnea. The more common is called obstructive sleep apnea and involves a blocked airway. This blockage can result from over-relaxed throat muscles and tongue, obesity, and facial and bone structure deformities. Once the airway is blocked, breathing stops and the person begins to gasp and snort.
The oxygen level decreases, while carbon dioxide level increases. This then stimulates the brain to normalize the breathing process and prompts the person to wake up and to open the airway by adjusting the tongue and throat muscles. Normal breathing then ensues followed usually by loud snoring. The person, however, may neither remember being awake for a short time nor be aware of his gasps for air.
The other type is called central sleep apnea, which is caused by the brain’s delayed signals to the breathing muscles. Breathing stops and oxygen level begins to drop. Unlike obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea is less common. It is a central nervous system disorder and can result from an injury or disease that involves the brainstem. This can be in the form of stroke and brain tumor, among other things. Though people with central sleep apnea may not typically snore, they may experience shortness of breath.
Both types have different causes, but their effects are the same: low level of oxygen in the brain, poor sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and even depression. They can also contribute to high blood pressure and heart irregularities when the oxygen reaches a dangerously low level. However, sleep apnea can also be literally disturbing to the bed partner because of the loud snoring that can cause sleep deprivation.
What to do
It would rather be hard for a person to know whether he has sleep apnea, since the condition manifests only during sleep. However, if he suspects to having the condition, especially if he shows the symptoms, he can opt to document his sleeping patterns. For instance, he can ask his bed partner to journal episodes of breath pauses, snoring, choking, or snorting. Or if he sleeps alone, he can videotape himself sleeping and notice if there are irregularities. These observations would help determine if seeing a doctor or a sleep specialist is necessary.
Upon diagnosis, the sleep specialist would recommend treatments or surgeries depending on the severity of the condition. But for minor sleep apnea, some behavioral treatments or lifestyle changes can be helpful. Examples are avoidance of alcohol and tobacco, weight loss, and having regular sleep hours.
But in any case, seeking the professional advice of a sleep specialist is necessary in treating a diagnosed case of sleep apnea.
Comments
Menu
My Articles
Diagnosis Of Sleep ApneaBits Of Information About Sleep Apnea
Breathing Devices As Treatment For Sleep Apnea
Causes Of Sleep Apnea
Brief Overview About Sleep Apnea
Sleep Apnea In Children: The Causes, Symptoms, And Treatments
Key Points About Sleep Apnea
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep Apnea And People Who Are At Risk
What Are The Sleep Apnea Tests?
Effective Sleep Apnea Treatments
Obstructive Sleep Apnea Surgery: The Solution
Sleep Apnea Device Options
What Sleep Apnea Is
Sleep Apnea Symptoms
Ways To Handle Sleep Apnea Conditions
Treatment For Sleep Apnea
Dealing With Sleep Apnea
Symptoms And Manifestations Of Sleep Apnea
What You Must Know About Sleep Apnea
The Dangers Of Sleep Apnea: A Rundown
Lifestyle Changes For Treatment Of Sleep Apnea
Coping With Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Risk Factors And Causes Of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Related Sites | My Articles Diagnosis Of Sleep Apnea Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that is one of the hardest to.. Lifestyle Changes For Treatment Of Sleep Apnea There are several treatment options for sleep apnea. If you fear undergoing.. Obstructive Sleep Apnea Surgery: The Solution Obstructive sleep apnea, which is literally the stoppage of breaths.. What Are The Sleep Apnea Tests? Though the medical field took note of sleep apnea as.. |
|
|
Related News:
|