Sleep apnea is a disorder with potentially serious consequences. It causes a person to experience interrupted breathing while he or she is asleep. Those with this disorder often stop breathing continuously throughout the night. Certain individuals who have participated in studies at sleep apnea centers have found that they unknowingly stopped breathing hundreds of times in an eight hour period. Fortunately, treatments are available for this disorder.
There are two types of the condition, which are called obstructive or central. The former is the most common form of the disorder, but serious side effects are associated with both. Complete or partial airway blockage results in obstructive apnea, and one often gasps or jerks awake when normal breathing resumes. There are various causes for the obstructive form of the condition, which include a deviated septum, obesity, cardiac disease, allergies, pulmonary disorders, asthma, and sleeping in an improper position.
Those suffering from central sleep apnea do not have obstructions, but rather they are experiencing a problem in their central nervous system. Their brains do not send the appropriate signals to their muscles, and therefore their respiratory systems do not properly function during the night. It is not yet known why the central nervous system malfunctions this way in some individuals.
Interestingly, men suffer from this disorder more than women. Statistics show that the condition occurs in one out of every four males, but only occurs in one out of every ten females. It is not yet known why more men are afflicted with the disorder than women. It is particularly common in overweight individuals, and does not usually manifest for the first time until one is over forty years of age.
Symptoms of the disorder are often observed by others who live in the household prior to the patient himself or herself realizing that the condition is present. One of the most common symptoms is loud snoring. Couples frequently state that the partner who is afflicted with the disorder jolts awake several times during the night, even though he or she does not realize this is happening.
There are many devices that can be used by those who suffer from this disorder in order to ensure a good night's sleep. These include BPAP masks and similar devices that help to keep the airway clear and opened when one is asleep. However, it is important to seek medical evaluation before using such equipment to treat the condition.
In certain cases, procedures can be performed to trim the soft palate, and subsequently lessen the patient's symptoms. This largely depends on the type of sleep apnea from which one is suffering, as well as his or her overall health. There are also simple treatments for the disorder, such as losing weight and positioning oneself better prior to falling asleep.
A lack of oxygen to vital organs and heart rhythm irregularities are 2 of the most serious side effects associated with the condition. This is why seeking evaluation at sleep apnea centers is a good idea for many individuals. Those experiencing this problem on a regular basis should seek the advice of a licensed health care professional as soon as possible.
There are two types of the condition, which are called obstructive or central. The former is the most common form of the disorder, but serious side effects are associated with both. Complete or partial airway blockage results in obstructive apnea, and one often gasps or jerks awake when normal breathing resumes. There are various causes for the obstructive form of the condition, which include a deviated septum, obesity, cardiac disease, allergies, pulmonary disorders, asthma, and sleeping in an improper position.
Those suffering from central sleep apnea do not have obstructions, but rather they are experiencing a problem in their central nervous system. Their brains do not send the appropriate signals to their muscles, and therefore their respiratory systems do not properly function during the night. It is not yet known why the central nervous system malfunctions this way in some individuals.
Interestingly, men suffer from this disorder more than women. Statistics show that the condition occurs in one out of every four males, but only occurs in one out of every ten females. It is not yet known why more men are afflicted with the disorder than women. It is particularly common in overweight individuals, and does not usually manifest for the first time until one is over forty years of age.
Symptoms of the disorder are often observed by others who live in the household prior to the patient himself or herself realizing that the condition is present. One of the most common symptoms is loud snoring. Couples frequently state that the partner who is afflicted with the disorder jolts awake several times during the night, even though he or she does not realize this is happening.
There are many devices that can be used by those who suffer from this disorder in order to ensure a good night's sleep. These include BPAP masks and similar devices that help to keep the airway clear and opened when one is asleep. However, it is important to seek medical evaluation before using such equipment to treat the condition.
In certain cases, procedures can be performed to trim the soft palate, and subsequently lessen the patient's symptoms. This largely depends on the type of sleep apnea from which one is suffering, as well as his or her overall health. There are also simple treatments for the disorder, such as losing weight and positioning oneself better prior to falling asleep.
A lack of oxygen to vital organs and heart rhythm irregularities are 2 of the most serious side effects associated with the condition. This is why seeking evaluation at sleep apnea centers is a good idea for many individuals. Those experiencing this problem on a regular basis should seek the advice of a licensed health care professional as soon as possible.
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