Facts About Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a chronic sleep disorder effecting many people worldwide. It is a condition that often goes unnoticed but can lead to worsened health and difficulty in daily living. Sufferers often experience bouts of breathing difficult many times throughout the night. The symptoms of sleep apnea make it nearly impossible to get a full night of rest. This is because breathing becomes very shallow and the body doesn’t receive enough oxygen.
Sleep apnea usually prevents a person from feeling well rested. The attacks keep the body from truly resting and as a result sufferers are generally very tired during the day. Although few people realize their tiredness is the result of a sleeping disorder, it is definitely not normal to be tired day after day, even after getting a full night of rest. If you might have a sleep disorder, it is important to see a doctor. Sleep apnea can be a very dangerous condition if left untreated.
Sleep apnea goes undiagnosed in many situations. It isn’t an obvious disorder to doctors or to the patient. Since most symptoms occur during sleep, it is usually a bed partner that first notices. Indeed, your spouse is the best source of information regarding sleep apnea. If you are told you snore every night, or seem to choke occasionally during sleep, then you should consult a physician right away.
Sleep apnea is quite common. The US has more than twelve million adults suffering from it. There is a link between this sleep disorder and obesity. Once study found that half of all sufferers were overweight. Being overweight makes it more difficult for the body to keep the airway open throughout the night.
Race is also linked to sleep apnea prevalence. Certain races seem more likely to develop the disorder. People of African, Hispanic, or Pacific Island decent are at a greater risk. Of course not matter your race, obesity seems to be the most striking indicator. Sometimes the disorder can be hereditary too. If others in your family suffer from sleep apnea, then you the chance that you will develop it is increased.
Sleep apnea is an umbrella term that covers several different types. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most prevalent. This form occurs when breathing is difficult as a result of a collapsed airway or other obstructions. The result is shallow breathing and loud snoring. This variety is linked with weight. Increased weight results in more skin around the neck area. This makes it even more difficult for the the throat to stay open during sleep.
Central sleep apnea is another form. This type results in the same symptoms however the cause is slightly different. With central sleep apnea, there is a communication problem between the brain and the muscles of the throat. This can result in over relaxed muscles and difficulty in breathing.
There are many available treatments that can reduce or altogether eliminate symptoms. Some of these take the form of mouthpieces or other breathing devices. Surgery is a necessary option is some extreme cases. However, the most common and effective treatment is simply a change in lifestyle and reduction in body weight. There is a potential treatment form most cases that can fit into any budget. Ask you doctor about various treatment options and choose the right one for you.
You can find plenty of information about sleep apnea online. For additional information checkout this site on sleep apnea.
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