Do I Have Sleep Apnea? Find Out Here
Sleep apnea, also known as sleep apnoea, is a fairly typical sleep disorder. It’s described as brief interruptions of breathing while asleep. These instances, called apneas, last around 10 secs or more and take place repeatedly throughout the night. People with sleep apnea partially awaken as they battle to breathe, but in the morning they may not be aware of the disturbances in their sleep.
The most frequent type of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a result of relaxation of soft tissue in the back of the throat that obstructs the passage of air. Central sleep apnea (CSA) is caused by irregularities in the brain’s normal signals to breathe. Some people with sleep apnea have a combination of both types.
OSA is more common in men than females and in people who are overweight or obese. Below are a few symptoms to look for if you believe you are being affected by this disorder.
* Excessive Daytime Sleepiness
* Restless Sleep
* Loud Snoring (With Periods Of Silence Then Gasps)
* Drifting Off To Sleep During The Day
* Morning Headaches
* Trouble Concentrating
* Irritability
* Forgetfulness
* Mood or Behavior Changes
* Gaining Weight
* Increased Heart Rate
* Anxiousness
* Depression
Many people with sleep apnea have obstructive apnea “OSA”, in which the person stops breathing while sleeping due to airway blockage. Breathing is resumed within a few seconds, but periods of as long as sixty seconds are not uncommon in severe cases.
OSA is more common among those who snore, who are obese, who consume alcohol, or with anatomical abnormalities of the jaw or soft palate. However, atypical cases do occur, and the condition shouldn’t be ruled out unilaterally merely simply because the patient doesn’t fit the profile.
“OSA” is caused by the relaxation of the muscles in the airway while sleeping. While the vast majority of people effectively maintain an open upper airway and breathe normally while asleep, a significant number of men and women are prone to serious constricting or occlusion of the pharynx, such that breathing is inhibited or even completely obstructed. As the brain senses a build-up of carbon dioxide, airway muscles are stimulated which open the airway, allowing breathing to resume but interrupting deep sleep.
The prognosis is that sleep apnea if left untreated could be life threatening. Excessive daytime sleepiness might cause people to fall asleep at unacceptable times, such as while driving. Sleep apnea appears to put individuals in danger of stroke. Successful treatment can also lower the risk of heart and blood pressure troubles.
If you’d like relief from your sleep machine, learn about what Alternatives to CPAP are available to you today. Also, stop by this site to read more about the various Excessive Sleep Disorders and their sign and symptoms.
Author: John Lewis
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