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.
With the central form of the condition, the obstruction is not in the person's upper respiratory tract, but rather this type is caused by the brain's failure to signal the appropriate muscles to complete a full respiration. This results in instability in the respiratory system. It is considered a disorder of one's nervous system, although the reason it occurs is not yet known.
Interestingly, statistics show that there are more male patients in this category than there are females. One in every ten women are afflicted with the disorder, while as many as one in four males suffer from the condition. Scientists have not yet determined why this is the case. The condition is especially common in obese persons, and does not typically manifest until one is over the age of forty.
Symptoms are often noticed by family members before the patient himself or herself discovers that a problem exists. For example, one of the most commonly experienced side effects is excessive snoring. Couples sometimes report that the partner who has the disorder frequently jolts awake at regular intervals during the night, even though the patient does not realize he or she is doing so.
Numerous devices can be utilized to ensure that those suffering from the disorder obtain a good night sleep. These include devices such as BPAP masks, which are designed to help prevent airway obstructions. However, it is essential to seek medical advice prior to utilizing equipment of this type to treat the disorder.
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.
Heart rhythm irregularities and lack of oxygen to the organs are two of the most serious side effects of sleep apnea. For this reason, seeking help at sleep apnea centers is a wise course of action. Anyone who feels he or she may be suffering from this disorder should schedule an appointment with a licensed health care practitioner without delay.
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.
With the central form of the condition, the obstruction is not in the person's upper respiratory tract, but rather this type is caused by the brain's failure to signal the appropriate muscles to complete a full respiration. This results in instability in the respiratory system. It is considered a disorder of one's nervous system, although the reason it occurs is not yet known.
Interestingly, statistics show that there are more male patients in this category than there are females. One in every ten women are afflicted with the disorder, while as many as one in four males suffer from the condition. Scientists have not yet determined why this is the case. The condition is especially common in obese persons, and does not typically manifest until one is over the age of forty.
Symptoms are often noticed by family members before the patient himself or herself discovers that a problem exists. For example, one of the most commonly experienced side effects is excessive snoring. Couples sometimes report that the partner who has the disorder frequently jolts awake at regular intervals during the night, even though the patient does not realize he or she is doing so.
Numerous devices can be utilized to ensure that those suffering from the disorder obtain a good night sleep. These include devices such as BPAP masks, which are designed to help prevent airway obstructions. However, it is essential to seek medical advice prior to utilizing equipment of this type to treat the disorder.
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.
Heart rhythm irregularities and lack of oxygen to the organs are two of the most serious side effects of sleep apnea. For this reason, seeking help at sleep apnea centers is a wise course of action. Anyone who feels he or she may be suffering from this disorder should schedule an appointment with a licensed health care practitioner without delay.
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