Sleep apnea is surprisingly common in America, affecting the lives of roughly 20 million. The sleep disorder is recognized by its characteristic pauses in breathe during sleep. These pauses can last thirty seconds or more and can occur every other minute in more serious cases. It becomes nearly impossible to obtain quality rest when breathing periodically stops. Each time it stops the body becomes alert as it fights to breathe again, keeping sleep very shallow.
Most people aren't treated for sleep apnea. This is unfortunate because there are many effective treatments available. However, it can be difficult to diagnose. More than eighty percent of people have no idea they have the disorder.
Two Different Types
Sleep apnea comes in two forms. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common. It involves some sort of blockage in the airway. Breathing is hindered from enlarged glands, excess tissue in the throat, problems with bone structure, or excess skin around the neck. There are many potential causes of obstructive sleep apnea, but all result a blocked or collapsed airway.
During sleep, the airway becomes blocked and breathing temporarily stops. This leads to a drop in blood oxygen content. The body reacts as if it is suffocating and a person gasps for air, eventually starting to breath again. Usually the person begins snoring again and then the process repeats, sometimes hundreds of times a night.
Central sleep apnea is the second variety. Although much less common, it has similar results on the body. In this type, breathing problems are a result of problems with the brain. Signals sent to important muscles involved in respiration are often delayed. This results in a cessation of breathing. The body reacts as if suffocating and releases adrenaline as the person gasps for breathe.
Although these types of sleep apnea have very different causes, the results are similar. Oxygen supply is not maintained at appropriate levels. Sleep is disrupted by the release of stress hormones resulting from perceived suffocation. Left untreated, many cardiovascular problems could result. High blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, and heart attacks become more common.
Getting Help
It isn't always easy to identify sleep apnea. So many cases go untreated simply because those with them aren't aware of it. However, if you have any suspicion that you could be at risk, it is good to take action and find out if you have sleep apnea. Visiting a sleep clinic is the most surefire way to find out, although it can be expensive. Often a spouse or roommate is able to identify the symptoms while you sleep. It is also possible to record yourself during sleep and then review the findings during the day.
Once sleep apnea is diagnoses by a specialist, you can decide on an appropriate treatment. There are many treatment options available. Some are more suited to particular cases of sleep apnea. Many times it just takes lifestyle changes to treat sleep apnea. Other times surgery might be required. There are also breathing devices that can be used with success.
If you think you might suffer from sleep apnea, it is important to visit a sleep specialist or talk with your doctor. Ignore the signs of the sleep disorder, and you could go undiagnosed for a very long time.
Most people aren't treated for sleep apnea. This is unfortunate because there are many effective treatments available. However, it can be difficult to diagnose. More than eighty percent of people have no idea they have the disorder.
Two Different Types
Sleep apnea comes in two forms. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common. It involves some sort of blockage in the airway. Breathing is hindered from enlarged glands, excess tissue in the throat, problems with bone structure, or excess skin around the neck. There are many potential causes of obstructive sleep apnea, but all result a blocked or collapsed airway.
During sleep, the airway becomes blocked and breathing temporarily stops. This leads to a drop in blood oxygen content. The body reacts as if it is suffocating and a person gasps for air, eventually starting to breath again. Usually the person begins snoring again and then the process repeats, sometimes hundreds of times a night.
Central sleep apnea is the second variety. Although much less common, it has similar results on the body. In this type, breathing problems are a result of problems with the brain. Signals sent to important muscles involved in respiration are often delayed. This results in a cessation of breathing. The body reacts as if suffocating and releases adrenaline as the person gasps for breathe.
Although these types of sleep apnea have very different causes, the results are similar. Oxygen supply is not maintained at appropriate levels. Sleep is disrupted by the release of stress hormones resulting from perceived suffocation. Left untreated, many cardiovascular problems could result. High blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, and heart attacks become more common.
Getting Help
It isn't always easy to identify sleep apnea. So many cases go untreated simply because those with them aren't aware of it. However, if you have any suspicion that you could be at risk, it is good to take action and find out if you have sleep apnea. Visiting a sleep clinic is the most surefire way to find out, although it can be expensive. Often a spouse or roommate is able to identify the symptoms while you sleep. It is also possible to record yourself during sleep and then review the findings during the day.
Once sleep apnea is diagnoses by a specialist, you can decide on an appropriate treatment. There are many treatment options available. Some are more suited to particular cases of sleep apnea. Many times it just takes lifestyle changes to treat sleep apnea. Other times surgery might be required. There are also breathing devices that can be used with success.
If you think you might suffer from sleep apnea, it is important to visit a sleep specialist or talk with your doctor. Ignore the signs of the sleep disorder, and you could go undiagnosed for a very long time.
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There is tons of info about sleep apnea online. For additional information take a look at this website on what is sleep apnea.
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