The Facts On Sleep Apnea

Copyright (c) 2011 P& D publishing

Sleep apnea is a condition where a person stops breathing for a short space of time while they are asleep.

Sleep apnea comes in three types; central (CSA), Obstructive (OSA) and a complicated mix between the two forms. 84% of most sleep apnea cases are Obstructive sleep apnea. Without proper sleep Apnea treatment this condition can cause serious consequences.

What Is OSA? When we fall asleep our muscles tend to relax including the muscles of the throat. In cases, of sleep apnea these relaxing muscles block the airway allowing less oxygen to pass through the airway and into the body. The brain sensing the lack of needed oxygen sends a message for you to wake up which allows you to start breathing once more. Sufferers of sleep apnea are often unaware that they have this condition.These wakeful moments can occur up to 30 times an hour and the person dosen't even know it is happening. Since the sufferer is not aware that he suffers from this condition he does nothing to seek sleep apnea treatments which can restore him to a restful night's sleep.

It is usually a roommate like a partner, wife or husband that tells the person that they have this problem. Some people when they suffer from a cold can have bouts of sleep apnea but this usually only lasts a short period of time unlike many sufferers of sleep apnea which can last for years without being treated. Undiagnosed sleep apnea can make one feel fatigued throughout the day and in some cases interfere with one's health and the quality of life as they suffer from all the symptoms of sleep deprivation that is common in all sleep problems in adults which includes:

Irritability

Increased incidents of accidents

Decrease in the ability to think and problem solve

Raised blood pressure

Increased risk of heart disease and other serious health conditions

Diagnosis of sleep apnea is done by studying the patient during sleep and noting how many incidents of sleep apnea occur. Then depending on the severity of the condition, Sleep apnea treatment is begun. Treatment consists of keeping the airway unobstructed during sleep.

The treatment of sleep apnea often includes: Changes in life style, Devices to keep the airway open and in some cases surgery. If you are overweight, smoke or drink alcohol then your doctor will insist that you modify your life style in order to help relieve your sleep apnea.

In many cases, a few lifestyle changes and throat and nose muscle strengthening exercises may be all that is needed to cure your apnea and get a good night's sleep. If you have sleep apnea then it is up to you to take a active approach in getting this problem resolved. This means that you learn all you can about your condition through reading and asking your medical expert questions that help you to understand the problem. Start making small changes in your lifestyle such as changing sleeping positions, doing exercises to strengthen your throat muscles, lowering your weight if overweight and quitting smoking and cutting back on your alcohol consumption.

Most importantly follow the Sleep apnea treatment program laid out by your doctor and explore other ways of helping you deal with with this and other sleeping problems in adults.


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