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 kinds of the disorder, which are referred to as central or obstructive. The latter is the more common, but both have detrimental side effects. The obstructive form of the disorder is characterized by partial or complete blockage in the person's upper airway. Breathing typically resumes with a jerk of one's body or a loud gasping sound. This type of sleep apnea can be the result of various factors, such as obesity, allergies, asthma, a deviated septum, cardiac disease, poor positioning while sleeping, or pulmonary disorders.
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, the condition is more prevalent in males than females. Research indicates that the disorder afflicts one out of every ten women and one out of every four men. However, the reason for this is not yet known. It is especially common in obese individuals, and typically manifests for the first time after one has reached the age of 40.
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.
Patients may enjoy a good night sleep by using certain medical devices. These include equipment such as BPAP masks that are designed to prevent the person's airway from becoming obstructed while he or she is asleep. However, prior to treating the condition with such devices, medical evaluation is important.
In some instances, surgery can be completed to trim the soft palate, and ultimately lessen the severity of one symptoms. Whether or not this is an option will depend on the kind of sleep apnea one suffers from, as well as the patient's general health. There are also basic remedies for the condition, such as weight loss and positioning oneself properly upon retiring.
Heart arrhythmias and lack of oxygen to vital organs are 2 detrimental side effects associated with this sleeping disorder. Therefore, it is wise for patients to pursue help at sleep apnea centers where experts can evaluate their situation. Those who suspect they have the aforementioned condition should schedule a consultation with a medical doctor as soon as possible.
There are two kinds of the disorder, which are referred to as central or obstructive. The latter is the more common, but both have detrimental side effects. The obstructive form of the disorder is characterized by partial or complete blockage in the person's upper airway. Breathing typically resumes with a jerk of one's body or a loud gasping sound. This type of sleep apnea can be the result of various factors, such as obesity, allergies, asthma, a deviated septum, cardiac disease, poor positioning while sleeping, or pulmonary disorders.
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, the condition is more prevalent in males than females. Research indicates that the disorder afflicts one out of every ten women and one out of every four men. However, the reason for this is not yet known. It is especially common in obese individuals, and typically manifests for the first time after one has reached the age of 40.
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.
Patients may enjoy a good night sleep by using certain medical devices. These include equipment such as BPAP masks that are designed to prevent the person's airway from becoming obstructed while he or she is asleep. However, prior to treating the condition with such devices, medical evaluation is important.
In some instances, surgery can be completed to trim the soft palate, and ultimately lessen the severity of one symptoms. Whether or not this is an option will depend on the kind of sleep apnea one suffers from, as well as the patient's general health. There are also basic remedies for the condition, such as weight loss and positioning oneself properly upon retiring.
Heart arrhythmias and lack of oxygen to vital organs are 2 detrimental side effects associated with this sleeping disorder. Therefore, it is wise for patients to pursue help at sleep apnea centers where experts can evaluate their situation. Those who suspect they have the aforementioned condition should schedule a consultation with a medical doctor as soon as possible.
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